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The plight of a people group can not be altered over night. It takes time and a willingness to change and go another direction. The approach the Pine Ridge Reservation hasn't changed since they were first put on reservations in the 1800's, they are still waiting for the government to fulfill their treaties. In the mean time their families are living in below poverty levels. Nothing has changed, The mind set is still the same. Oh, there are more websites where donations can be made to help the people, but then there is the waste from that help, and some break out and move to another place. But then they are called "apples". Red on the outside white on the inside. This phrase comes from those who view all things not done as it was in past Nativw life, and you embrace the "white" life style. There is also, if you can believe this, prejudice from those who deem Native Americans as lower than themselves.
I noticed a decline in the generations since the 1800's. The first generations that were put on reservations --not all mind you. What this article is about are those who are sitting on the reservation, who are held captive by years of captivity. Who can't seem to get out of the vicious circle that is transferred from one generation to another. Those with the mind-set that "In order for me to live a full life the government needs to fulfill all the treaties they have broken. That is the key to this whole issue, waiting on the government to make their life right or prosperous.
It isn't working. When an approach to a problem hasn't brought out the desired out-come,--in over 100 years..... than something else needs to be done.
Instead of looking at this from a human perspective I am choosing to look at this through the eyes of the Holy Spirit and Gods word. Most of the Natives go to churches planted there on Pine Ridge, most of which are Baptist and mixed with some of the Natives religious beliefs. So I am assuming they have believed in and hear the word of God, accepted Jesus into their hearts and are "born again into the family of God". With that said, why are they not reaping the benefits of being a child of God. Why are they still living in poverty of body, soul and mind?
As I read articles and news reports and also testimonies for those who spent some time on the Pine Ridge Reservation, I see a constant theme. This is what caused me to look at this situation from another perspective, because the way that is was being done hasn't brought out the change
In Gods word, He says "I came to give life and a life that is abundant" Ephesians 5:8...you were formerly in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord walk as children of light.. There are numerous scripture stating this same idea and thought from the Father. But some of the verses I want to look at have to deal with breaking away from our old nature and becoming a new person in Christ.
We are to, as born again believers, walk by the spirit not by our flesh. This is how this "problem" has been dealt with, by the flesh, instead of taking a supernatural approach, or looking at it through the eyes of the spirit. Galatians 6: 7,8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall reap corruption or fleshly outcome. but the one who sows to the Spirit reap eternal life vs, 16 ..for the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another...if you are lead by the Spirit walk by the spirit.
Colossians 2: 8.. see to it that..no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ......This is where I think they have been mislead. Going about this issue by the flesh and mans way of doing things instead SEEKING the Creator ,the Great Spirit.
Gods ways are not the same as mans ways, thank goodness. He is our salvation. He has a solution to this, a way out of poverty way of thinking and an abundant life, in all ways.
May your days be filled with His presence and may you walk by His Spirit and not the flesh.
We shall explore this idea of mine, in future posts.
