The Modern Quest for Treasure
The novelty has made the tales of pirates something desired. At least the idea of freedom to do whatever they want and to seek treasures that can, ironically, grant what would be considered the opposite of freedom: confinement. Isn't it funny that sometimes what we seek the most is what firstly we “abominate”?
Pirates are characters whose circumstances made them choose to rebel against the current system or institution. But, what is the purpose of their rebellion? Some novelty brings the notion that they act to create a new system where their vision is instituted. Be it a system where other pirates are welcomed or one that only benefits its perpetrator. (Before we proceed, one thing needs to be clear. This is not a defense of the corrupt destruction of lives that mad pirates carry out.)
The emphasis here is on the ironic idea behind their will. Which it is a paradoxical manifestation to be their counter opposite: a marine official. In conclusion, it means that everyone wants to promote the Order they believe in and as a consequence be king or queen of themselves.
For that to be possible, a treasure must be found. If it's mystical (in its spiritual sense), even better, because it has the power to materialize the internal desire. And when it is found, we give everything that we have to acquire it.
A Seeker of God
That’s the idea Christ highlights in “The Parable of the Hidden Treasure” (Matthew, 13:44):
44 — The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
We all seek a kingdom that represents us or that we can rule over. Now, there is an important detail we need to pay attention to: this kingdom will be a reflection of what we have in our hearts. That much is as true as the sun that rises and sets every day.
This makes us think and understand that if our heart is not in the right place, the treasure we find will sow misery instead of wealth. Knowing that we will be able to create the idealized self-sustainable system that will express the balance we need between stability and instability.
As we learned from the teachings of Jesus, the treasure we seek is in its essence the Kingdom of God itself which can give us what is necessary for our life, so that we can achieve the royal authority of ourselves:
— Seek first the Kingdom of God and Its Justice and all the things will be added to you.
Jesus (Matthew, 6:33)
The Divine Economy
Nowadays, it could be said that people are “modern pirates”, where each one works to find a treasure full of gold and then establish their own system. There has been a new era of “Gold Rush”, where everybody is running after money.
What was said before applies here. How so? It doesn't matter the amount of money you run after, if your heart's not in the right place, everything will fade with time and you’ll find yourself worse than before.
Here is where the difference lies between the World Economy and the Divine Economy. The latter cares for morality, while the former doesn't.
Jesus’ teaching (Matthew, 6:33) is the main principle for this Divine Economy. So much so that Brother Paiva Netto entitled this teaching as “The Extremely Urgent Economic Formula of Christ”.
Treasure Map
Where then, would be the Hidden Treasure Map? In you, your Spirit. Today, the need to search within yourself the Hidden Treasures God has given to us went from necessary to urgent. Our pirate or marine persona has to be guided by the Light of Jesus’ lighthouse, so that a balance between calm and storm sea is achieved.
Be ready for the rough waves of our world economic system. A small and feasible contribution to this discussion. There has been a slow change from an only production-based economy to a value-based economy. It is a return to the old ways of the market. As industrial patterns run out of production, a demand for exclusive craft products emerges.
The secret is to understand your craft, see where the patterns are useful, and where the individuality needs to be put. God blesses the art, when there is mastery of patterns and individuality.
The moment you seek the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, the map of the Hidden Treasure within you will appear.
“(...) from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
(Revelation of Jesus, 1:5-6)
