Pirates lead a dangerous life, risking life and limb on the high seas, and trying to avoid being caught by the navies of the various countries upon whom they prey. Why put themselves in these situations? For treasure! The entire reason for doing what they do is to gain gold and precious belongings. They raid and pillage to get what we commonly call "booty". If there wasn't a chance of monetary gain, pirates wouldn't put themselves in so much danger.
In Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, there is a classic and poignant exchange between Jack (...um, excuse me...CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow) and Will Turner as they are sneaking into the cave on Isla de Muerta to rescue Elizabeth from Barbossa.
Jack: You know, for having such a bleak outlook on pirates you're well on your way to becoming one. Sprung a man from jail, commandeered a ship of the Fleet, sailed with a buccaneer crew out of Tortuga...and you're completely obsessed with treasure.
Will: That's not true. I am not obsessed with treasure.
Jack: Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.
Jack has a great point. Treasure doesn't have to be monetary or otherwise associated with the world. As Christians, we should also seek treasure and even be obsessed with it. But not the silver-and-gold kind. Desiring that kind of treasure puts us firmly in this world and not God's, and shows our greed. Instead, we should be finding the treasures of joy, love, peace, and a relationship with Jesus. Once we find these, we should bury them in a place far away, just like any good pirate would. We should be seeking treasure in Heaven, and should go after that with all of the drive and effort of one of Blackbeard's men planning a night out in Charleston.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20-21)
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