In a time when the stars were still finding their place in the sky, the River People lived peacefully along the winding waters. They fished, grew corn, and sang songs to honor Creator. Their hearts were strong, their spirits steady, for they lived in harmony with all things.
But one day, Coyote came to their village. He wasn’t like other animals. His eyes were sly, his words smooth as running water, and he carried trouble like a shadow. “River People,” Coyote called out, “why do you toil so hard? There’s an easier way to live, a better way to be. Listen to me, and I’ll show you how to take without giving, how to win without working.” Some of the young ones listened, for Coyote’s words glittered like the stars. They stopped their planting and laughed at the old ones who warned them. “Coyote is clever,” they said. “He sees what we do not.”
But Creator watches all things. In the quiet of the night, He came to the village’s elder, Bear Claw, in a dream. “Trouble walks among your people,” Creator said. “But do not act in anger. Watch with clear eyes. The heart that causes pain reveals itself in time.”
Bear Claw rose with the dawn and gathered the council. They agreed to let Coyote stay, but they kept their hearts open and their minds sharp, just as Creator had taught them.
Coyote soon began his tricks. He stole food from the stores and blamed the sparrows. He whispered lies into the ears of neighbors, turning friend against friend. The young ones who followed him grew lazy and selfish, their laughter sharp like thorns. Yet, the elders stayed patient. They watched and waited.
One day, a great storm came. The river swelled, and the village was in danger of flooding. The River People rushed to build a wall of stones, but Coyote sat back, yawning. “Why work so hard?” he said. “The storm will pass. Let the river do as it pleases.” The young ones hesitated, but Bear Claw stepped forward. “Brothers, sisters, see now the truth. Coyote speaks for himself, not for the people. He sows chaos but flees from the storm.”
Hearing this, the young ones saw with clear eyes. They turned their backs on Coyote and joined the work. Together, the River People built the wall strong and high. When the storm passed, their village was safe. But Coyote was gone, slinking away to find another place to spread his tricks.
The people gathered that evening under the stars. Bear Claw raised his hand and said, “Creator gave us wisdom not to fight trouble with trouble. He gave us patience to see truth revealed. Let us honor Him by keeping our hearts steady and our eyes open.”
From that day, the River People lived with sharper discernment, knowing not every glittering word carries good. And though Coyote’s path crossed theirs again, he found no place to plant his tricks. Thus, Creator’s wisdom guided the people, and the River People grew strong, their hearts tied to the truth like a canoe to the river’s flow.
The purpose of this story is to teach about dealing with troublemakers, whether in the village of the River People or in the assembly of believers today. Just like Coyote, apostates and those who stir trouble often speak with smooth words, pretending to bring wisdom while their true intent is to divide and destroy.
From the Proverbs of Solomon, we read: “The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.” (Proverbs 14:8) We are taught the need for wisdom to discern truth from falsehood, just as the River People saw through Coyote’s deceitful ways.
We also read: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) Here we see again the values of discernment, wisdom, and the strength of collective effort under Creator’s guidance.
How Should We Deal with Trouble Makers?
Instead of reacting in anger or haste, we’re taught to observe and discern. Trouble reveals itself over time. Those who twist words or sow discord in our communities will show their true colors when trials come, like Coyote during the storm. When trouble comes, it’s easy to get distracted and argue. But Creator shows us the power of unity. In this story, the River People built their wall together, focusing on what mattered. Likewise, believers must stay focused on Creator’s work, not get sidetracked by those trying to pull them apart.
In the Oahspe we read: “Listen, O People, with wisdom in your judgment. Walk the path of wisdom, seeing with the eyes Creator has given you. Know the truths of my words, carried like whispers on the wind, from the cycles of old to the breath of today.” (Eskra 4:1, adapted) Creator gives wisdom to those who seek it. The elders didn’t fight Coyote directly; they watched with clear eyes, trusted Creator’s guidance, and let his actions speak for themselves. In assemblies today, discernment helps us see through false teachings or divisive behavior. Just because someone speaks well or promises something “better” doesn’t mean they’re leading in truth. We must test all things against Creator’s Word and Spirit, just as the River People judged Coyote’s words by his actions.
Ultimately, troublemakers like Coyote don’t stay where they can’t sow division. Creator ensures they move on if we stay faithful and united. Trusting His guidance keeps our assembly strong.
The River People learned that harmony comes from patience, discernment, and a steadfast commitment to truth. In our assemblies today, we must follow the same path, trusting Creator to show us the way and protect us from those who would lead us astray.
Questions for Sabbath School
- Why did some of the young River People follow Coyote?
- What did Creator tell Bear Claw in the dream?
- How did the River People finally see Coyote’s true nature?
- What did the River People do to protect their village during the storm?
- What happened to Coyote after his tricks were exposed?
- Why is it important to observe actions rather than trust words alone?
- How does unity among a group help in overcoming challenges?
- What role does patience play when dealing with troublemakers?
- How can discernment help us avoid being misled by people with bad intentions?
- Why did the elders choose not to confront Coyote directly, and what can we learn from their approach?
- Can you think of a time when someone tried to stir up trouble or deceive others? How was the situation resolved?
- How can we stay focused on Creator’s work when others try to distract or divide us?
- Why is it important to work together in a family, community, or assembly?
- What should you do if someone promises something that seems too good to be true?
- How can we trust Creator to guide us through challenges or conflicts in our lives?
May the Great Spirit bless you,
Brother Good Medicine