If you are into pirates and the era of those cool wooden pirate ships with tall masts and laden with imposing cannons that were commanded by some pretty rough characters, and manned by even rougher crewmembers, you may enjoy the TV commercials that advertise a character depicted as Captain Morgan®. The captain appears to be the consummate pirate, yet he is also a man who seems to have everyone’s best interest in mind.

Mr. Morgan is depicted as an outright ladies man, quite the partier, and somewhat of an ambassador, but is looked up to by all his men, and even the enemy seems to have a fond liking for him. The captain has a loose and free spirited attitude, but it seems he’s always looking out for the good of the people…even slaves were important to him. One of the commercials comically shows a designated driver rowing them back out to their boat after what appears to be a rousing night on the town.

The captain isn’t into buying friendships through manipulation as much as he is into calling the shots for the overall good of his men, and servants as well. He attempts to reconcile with others through the minimal shedding of as little blood loss as possible. And as humans, we should follow the captains lead to seek the good in all people all the time.

I’m not sure who the captain is trying to please? Maybe himself, maybe the people who were around him, or maybe society in general, by realizing that leaving a positive mark on society is always a great way to be remembered as a leader, knowing other people and his crew need someone they can look up to.

Maybe his overall philosophy was to never let his emotions win out over his wisdom, or drown out the voice of his conscience (which some say is the voice of God…that’s my personal belief). God wants you to be free to be who you are, and when you use His wisdom and His guidance, He’ll help you form the right views of life.

The captain doesn’t need to fill his ship with worldly treasures of gold and silver coins, because “The world’s a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts,” (Psalm 40:4b MSG). All the treasures of life are found in God’s Word, but they will remain locked up and hidden unless you ask the best Treasure Hunter…The Timeless Teacher…to unlock them and reveal the booty of believing in the true Captain of the world’s ship.

Racers are big on life (they have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and live life to the fullest); big on love (they get to do what they dearly love…race, compete, and go fast); and big on loot (it’s all about the trophy, the championship, and the prize money).

Life gives you the opportunity to make something of yourself. Love offers the human side to enjoy a relationship with another person. Loot motivates you to be a winner in your chosen field.

Life is a gift and it must be cherished as something very valuable. Love is a choice and it must be handled carefully and diligently. Loot must not be taken too seriously as you can’t take anything with you when you go to met your maker (life’s Shipbuilder).

Life means you must use yours for the betterment of mankind. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men,” (John 1:4). Whether a candle, or a beacon, you need to let your light shine for others to see the way. A heart that’s vibrant with life has no regrets.

Love calls out to everyone, and it rejoices in the truth, and is the greatest of life’s rewards, “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything,” (1 Peter 4:8 MSG). A heart full of love will comfort you like nothing else in the world.

Loot is reserved for a special place where it cannot be lost. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth or rust do not destroy…” (Matthew 6:20). A heart full of heavenly loot will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Each one of us lives in an environment where life, love, and loot have special meaning as we reside in the staging lanes of our existence. In lane one, we have been given physical life with the opportunity to accept God’s offer of eternal life. In lane two we are approached with unconditional love that is over our heads in understanding, but it is there for the taking. And in lane three we are handed the trophy before the race is over, so we can carry it around to humbly demonstrate our reward of infinite value.

For all racers life is about stepping on the gas! They love to see the win light come on, and can’t wait to pick up the loot at the end of the event. God offers all three of these as a package deal in the twinkling of an eye.

In this modern age everyone’s ship should be fabricated with their own eternal interests in mind. Therefore, you don’t have to walk the plank. You don’t have to pretend. You don’t have to have a portfolio. You just have trust in the King of your personal providence.

What many people (outsiders) can’t see or experience is the deep satisfaction the captain gained from doing what is right. Contentment is found in drawing close to God, sensing His approval, and looking forward to one day in the future hearing those special words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21).
Whether you are a captain or a crewman, allow God to nourish, energize, strengthen, and enlighten you—bringing even more satisfaction than doing those things humans typically think of as pleasures.

The captain isn’t being a phony because that uses up a lot of energy to keep up a charade for others. He has a glad heart that is a continual feast in his pursuit of life, love and loot.

A good pirate continually looks to God for his cue;
He’s always looking out to take care of his crew.

God will never force you to walk the plank;
His grace is something you can take to the bank.

You may not discover any earthly riches or treasure;
Trust God’s love, you’ll always enjoy His good pleasure.

When you set sail searching only for God’s best;
He guarantees your voyage will pass every test.

In all walks of life reliable equipment is crucial when preparing for any life-and-death adventure. So today, slow down, invest yourself into knowing God…sail around His world, and His Word will pile up the treasures in your own captain’s quarters.

In today’s world, twenty-first century transportation gets you anywhere fast…but for Captain Morgan®, he relied on the wind to move him at its pace……God’s pace. “Bring me back from gray exile, put fresh wind in my sails,” (Psalm 51:12 MSG).

Pirates may well have been seeking treasure, and they probably drank more rum than they should have, but a change of heart only begins when you’re willing to remove life’s hindrances that stand in the way of allowing God to deal with what is behind them.

Remember, whether you’re a pilot, a physician, a photographer, a panhandler, a pastor, a pilgrim, a parent, a patriot, a pin-up, a policeman, a pool player, or a pesky pirate…“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God,” (Psalm 119:1 MSG).

God isn’t trying to find you…He just wants you to find yourself. “And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth,” (Hebrews 11:13b). Is it any wonder why some men desire to become pirates? God has called us to seek the hidden booty buried all around the world…some on land…some in the sea…but when we look up, really look up…the Lord on high (and the Lord of the high-seas) becomes our booty, our loot, and our reward.