Preface
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in a basic distrust and resentment of one’s authority—justifiable or exaggerated.
(2 Samuel 13:20, 21)
What Is an Absalom Spirit?
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in a basic independence and self-dependence especially as it pertains to honest communication, problem solving, sharing of honest feelings, needs, wants, etc. (2 Samuel 13:20)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in camouflaged bitterness: unresolved disappointments, fear, anger, impotence, etc.
(2 Samuel 13:22)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in irrational secrets that appear totally rational and justified to “the Absalom.”
(2 Samuel 13:20-23)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in hidden agendas, hidden strategies, and hidden alliances. (2 Samuel 13:22-29)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in hidden contempt, hidden hatred, and hidden revenge of authority and those under that authority. (2 Samuel 13:22)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in pride. (2 Samuel 14:23-26)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in a deep-seated desire to be close to, next to, or in a place of favor with the one in authority. This desire is not with purity of heart. (2 Samuel 14:30-33)
An Absalom Spirit is rooted in impressing and stealing the hearts of the people who are under authority in order to eventually “dethrone” and replace the one in authority.
(2 Samuel 15:1-12)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in self-promotion.
(2 Samuel 15:1)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in a carefully constructed and carefully projected image—one that is designed to impress. (2 Samuel 15:1)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in manipulation.
(2 Samuel 15:1)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in selfish ambition disguised to appear as service to others. (2 Samuel 15:2)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in opportunism—self-advancement at the expense of others. (2 Samuel 15:2)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in divisiveness, antagonism, and negative criticism of authorities in order to promote self. (2 Samuel 15:3)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in rebellion and / or insurrectionism. (2 Samuel 15:4)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in false humility.
(2 Samuel 15:5)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in thievery—stealing the hearts and loyalty of the people away from their true authority. (2 Samuel 15:6)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in treachery. This is no innocent disagreement. Absalom is dangerous.
(2 Samuel 15:7-10)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in subtle seduction.
(2 Samuel 15:11)
An Absalom Spirit manifests itself in betrayal. (2 Samuel 15:12)
WARNING: Absalom is not your friend.
NOTE: Be careful not to ignore the Absalom spirit in an individual’s life (including your own) simply because every trait is not manifested. This is spiritual warfare, and we must guard ourselves, our families, and the local New Testament church against the Absalom spirit, regardless of how developed it is.
The Evil Spirit of Absalom
The story of Absalom is one of pride, deceitfulness, treachery, heartbreak, and ruin.
By far, the greatest confusion, chaos, and ministry pain come when pastors and ministry leaders are facing an Absalom spirit.
The Absalom spirit has brought more damage and destruction than anyone can imagine. This spirit is charming, deceptive, cunning, subtle, and treacherous. Under the pretense of really caring, this spirit brings chaos and confusion to a church or ministry.
How often have many decent and loving people been destroyed by the proposal of Absalom’s “care” and “concern” for the church or ministry? Hitler’s rise to fame and his taking control of Germany was with the intention of doing good.
The spirit of Absalom is a personification of a malignant usurper.
Absalom ended up bringing shame to himself, his father, his family, and his kingdom.
The Original Absalom
Let us take a look at the sad story of the original Absalom and learn about how this spirit operates today. The name “Absalom” always echoes disobedience, pride, hypocrisy, self-promotion, and rebellion.
Absalom, the third son of King David, was strikingly handsome from head to toe. He was physically flawless. His physical appearance was stunning.
“But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.” (2 Samuel 14:25)
While Absalom was attractive, he was also frustrated and angry.
NOTE: Although Absalom was a man, both men and women can have the Absalom spirit.
Frustrated with Life
This is typical of modern-day “Absaloms.” They seem to burn with an inner anger. They are often frustrated with their lives, their ministries, or their perceived level in life. This may or may not be evident to others immediately. They frequently imagine that they deserve more recognition than what their achievements merit. In fact, the original Absalom built himself a monument, the same as many dictators have done in the past.
“Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.” (2 Samuel 18:18)
Although Absalom had big dreams for his life, his ambitions were being frustrated. Absalom was guilty of plotting the murder of his own brother, believing he was doing a noble service to his family. He was under “house arrest” by order of his father, King David. Absalom was unrepentant, and he was feeling ignored.
False Criteria
Absalom had a way of judging everything by his own criteria. Amnon, his brother, had sinned, and Absalom determined that he deserved to die. Therefore, he personally arranged the execution of his own brother. Instead of seeing himself as a murderer, he saw himself as a hero, worthy of special recognition for his noble achievement. He was twisted in his thinking.
In the same manner, a modern Absalom gets offended at leadership. As a result, he secretly arranges the subtle “execution” of the leader’s reputation, achievements, or integrity.
An Absalom spirit typically harbors hidden bitterness, unresolved offenses, disappointments, and anger as we see in his treatment of his brother’s offense. Because his father (King David) would never have approved the murder of Amnon, Absalom plotted it himself.
When the ideas of a modern-day Absalom are not accepted or promoted by the leadership as he believes they should be, he becomes offended. Once a person takes on an offense and does not resolve it, he becomes offended at everything, no matter how minor. He will carry that unresolved offense in his heart, often searching for others to agree with him in the offense. (2 Samuel 13:20-29)
Hidden Agenda
An Absalom spirit thrives on hidden agendas, hidden strategies, and hidden alliances.
Absalom’s Beliefs:
• The authority is not to be trusted.
• The authority is incompetent.
• “I know the right way to handle this.”
A modern-day Absalom harbors hidden contempt, hidden hatred, and hidden revenge of authority and those who are submitted to that authority. (2 Samuel 13:22)
The Absalom personality will take his offenses to many individuals and spread his discontent through a variety of means.
Hidden Rebellion
An Absalom spirit is rebellious, and that rebellion will increasingly grow like a cancer. At some point, it will become unquenchable if not dealt with firmly. (2 Samuel 14:27-30)
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
(1 Samuel 15:23)
When an Absalom spirit is at work in a church or ministry, you will notice turmoil and confusion; you will probably experience a twisted stomach and a bombarded thought life. This is a spiritual attack.
Both Jesus and Paul spoke of this spiritual attack becoming more common in the last days.
Repeating Lucifer’s Sin
An Absalom personality subtly works to marginalize the sincere leader. In time, he maneuvers to demonize the leader, betraying him by killing his influence among as many followers as possible. It sounds eerily similar to Lucifer’s betrayal of God.
The end result of participating in rebellion and betrayal is always the same. Whether the name is Korah, Dathan, Abiram, Haman, Jezebel, Ahithophel, or Judas, the story always turns out the same. It is never a happy ending for any of them. However, the judgment is not always immediate.
A Desire to Be in Command
The Absalom personality views himself as being in competition with the leadership and regularly distorts and misrepresents the decisions or directives given by the leader.
The Absalom spirit possesses a desire to be in authority but not with any kind of purity of heart.
Let us get to the heart of the Absalom personality (or spirit). You can study the history of this entire matter in chapters 13-18 of 2 Samuel. The purpose of this booklet is not to delve deeply into the matters of the historic Absalom. Its purpose is to highlight his tactics, helping you to identify the contemporary Absalom spirit and to deal with it successfully.
Absalom’s Tactics
You can learn much from the tactics of the original Absalom. The following is an overview of 2 Samuel 15:1-12.
An Absalom spirit works at impressing and stealing the hearts of the people who are under authority. His goal is to eventually “dethrone” and replace the one in authority.
“Pious persons are glad to see others appear religious, and this gives occasion for deceptions. The policy of wicked men, and the subtlety of Satan, are exerted to draw good persons to countenance base designs.” –Matthew Henry
Absalom is a self-promoter who maneuvers for the praise of men.
“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.” (2 Samuel 15:1)
Absalom maintains a carefully constructed and meticulously projected image designed to impress. As people recognize and praise the deceived individual, he begins to believe that he is wiser or more spiritual than the true leader.
“And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:2-6)
Master Manipulator
Absalom is a master in manipulation. He assures people, “You are special to me,” “You are my friend,” “I love you more than the pastor loves you,” or “I will spend the quality time with you that he doesn’t.”
An Absalom spirit is displayed in selfish ambition disguised to appear as service to others, to the church, the district, or a business. (2 Samuel 15:2)
Absalom seeks opportunities for self-advancement at the expense of others. Almost all of the decisions of the leaders are questioned and undermined to the people.
Sadly, with this critical spirit, the Absalom personality can no longer receive any spiritual nourishment or direction from the leadership. Nothing the pastor / leader does is good enough for Absalom. Even if Absalom’s ideas are implemented, it is never good enough. This personality always finds some fault. (2 Samuel 15:2)
An Absalom spirit is revealed in divisiveness, antagonism, and negative criticism of authorities in order to promote self. He will actively seek out other authority-type individuals that will seemingly approve of his actions. (2 Samuel 15:3)
Absalom feeds his followers with his fault-finding and critical spirit. Minor things (usually not related to God’s spiritual qualifications) will be made major issues, such as what kind of car the pastor drives, his salary, his benefits, his style of leadership, or his approach to challenges. (2 Samuel 15:4)
An Absalom spirit exhibits false humility. (2 Samuel 15:5)
The Politician
The original Absalom was a master politician—very good at backslapping, hand kissing, and complimenting. His victims did not discern between his real motivation and the trap he was planning to spring on them.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)
“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” (Psalm 55:21)
The following is a hypothetical scenario, but you may have experienced something similar to it.
Someone calls to arrange a lunch appointment with you. Perhaps he tries to convince you that it is rather urgent that he meets with you. He may be a person you respected in the past. He may be a pastor leading what appears to be a good church, or he may be a spiritual leader. You have no reason to doubt his sincerity or integrity. You schedule the meeting and sit down for lunch.
You pray over your food and chat. He does most of the talking. Perhaps he tells you how he is being honored, where he is preaching, and how he has obtained favor with some well-known people. Names are dropped—names he believes you respect. He then showers you with an array of compliments for your service for the Lord and tells you what a great asset you are to the church or ministry. You feel warm and appreciate his kind words of adulation and commendation. Who would not love to hear those kinds of things?
After a while, the tone of the lunch meeting gradually changes. “Trial balloons” start going up to see where you stand on certain matters and issues. While you are still feeling good about all the flattering comments, he begins pointing out problems, criticizing leadership, and making subtle, degrading remarks about someone in authority. His subtle slander is carefully crafted and designed to come across in a “holy way.” He is only telling you this because he trusts you and because he is “deeply concerned” about the leadership or direction of the church or ministry.
If you are a discerning individual, you begin to get the distinct impression that this is more than a friendly lunch appointment. He never says it, but you get the feeling that he is campaigning for a change in leadership. Perhaps he is offering himself as the candidate.
You may begin to berate yourself for thinking such a negative thing about this fine Christian man. But you cannot seem to shake some of the thoughts he planted.
You pray for God’s inner peace, but it is difficult to dismiss some of the issues which he presented to you. These seeds keep swirling around in your mind, trying to take root.
Could it be that he traveled to you (“crossing land and sea”) to make you his convert? Could it be that, like Absalom, he is trying to turn you into twice the child of hell that he is? (Matthew 23:15)
Oh, he does not see himself as a child of hell. He sees himself as a hero, a leader, a prima donna, and a force for change.
Observe him in the months that follow. Here is what you will often find. He will subtly and stealthily continue to point out flaws in the leadership of the church or business. He will work to create distractions for the true leader to prevent more achievement that could be credited to the leader. Gradually, there will be more and more openness about his discontent, all under the guise of his “concern.”
Start observing the people with whom he surrounds himself. You will discover that his closest associates and friends all seem to be walking in some kind of offense themselves. They have little respect for authority. You will notice that they see themselves as important leaders. All the while, they continue their fault finding, criticism, complaining, and obstructing progress for the God-appointed leader. And each of them will be acting as mini-campaign managers for the Absalom personality.
Oh, that the proverbial light will come on for you before you are infected with the Absalom virus! This man is trying to steal hearts so he can get into a position that belongs to another man. If you have already been infected, please see the danger and take quick, decisive action to change your course!
This scenario has played over and over again in churches and ministries. Different names, different locations, and different twists but the same spirit—Absalom!
An Absalom spirit is a thief, stealing the hearts and loyalty of the people away from the authority that God has set over them. The Absalom personality feels that many are following him; therefore, he boldly brings his disloyalty out into the open. Now the people are forced to make a choice between the genuine leader and the Absalom who has deceived them.
“And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron. For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord. And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.” (2 Samuel 15:6-10)
Making His Move
After a period of time of criticizing and secretly undermining the king and building himself up in the eyes of the people, Absalom was ready to make his move. His plan was to make his kingly debut where David had and where he (Absalom) had been born—Hebron.
Now the awful truth emerges into the open. People must make a choice between their current leader and the Absalom who has deceived them by his deceitfulness and subtlety of heart. Usually, the Absalom spirit does not ultimately deceive the majority. However, it has caused enough division to foster doubt in the remainder of the followers.
Absalom’s Conspiracy
Absalom is dangerous. The Absalom spirit justifies his conspiracy to everyone by focusing attention on all the issues of leadership with which he has found fault, whether the issues are legitimate or not. He will not deal with the authority issues in a biblical manner but rather will seek to use them to his advantage. (2 Samuel 15:7-10)
An Absalom spirit employs subtle seduction. Absalom does not necessarily need a large group to implement his move; even a small band of followers – three or four in key positions – will be sufficient. He knows he has “stolen their hearts.”
(2 Samuel 15:11)
The Great Pretender
A sense of uneasiness now descends over the people.
“And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.” (2 Samuel 15:11-12)
“The story tells very vividly how he adopted the familiar tactics of pretenders.” –Brian McLaren
An Absalom personality is not only a liar; he is a religious hypocrite, too.
“. . . while he offered sacrifices. . .” (2 Samuel 15:12)
Jesus constantly confronted the religious hypocrites. These pretenders did not fool him, and they should not fool any born-again person who is walking in the Spirit and staying true to God’s Word.
“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”
(Matthew 22:18)
It is enlightening to see that Jesus equated hypocrisy with wickedness. The religious pretense of the Absalom personality often deceives undiscerning Christians.
“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
The Judgment That Surely Follows
There is a Biblical principle which states that if the root is evil then the fruit shall also be evil. This simply means that a group birthed from the workings of an Absalom will suffer the same fate in due time.
“For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.” (Romans 11:16)
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” (Ezekiel 18:20)
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Absalom must have known this truth but chose to ignore it.
There is always a payday.
“And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 14:8)
Absalom died in a most revealing way. His head was caught in a tree, and he was left suspended until he was executed. Caught by his head! In Biblical typology, the head stands for authority and leadership.
Absalom set himself up as head, and by his head, he was judged!
“And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.” (2 Samuel 18:9-10)
“Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.” (2 Samuel 18:14-15)
What an awful way to die! “Slew him” is to hack away at him or to disembowel him. He had hacked away at the authority of Israel’s anointed leader, and now his own life was “hacked away” and “emptied.”
Absalom’s Downfall
Absalom’s rebellion ended like that of Jezebel, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and Judas. They fell through pride, and their influence and even their lives ended prematurely and tragically.
It is dangerous ground to sow strife and to cause division in the body of Christ. The Lord hates the sowing of discord among brethren.
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:2)
What Caused Absalom’s Treacherous Sin?
Unresolved offenses, selfish ambition, and hatred led to Absalom’s refusal to forgive and his bitterness. His motivation was never pure. His aim was for revenge, discredit, and ruin.
“ 3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” “10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” (Matthew 24:3, 10)
Unresolved offenses always lead to hatred and betrayal.
Why Is This Spirit So Difficult with Which to Deal?
This spirit is difficult to deal with because people are emotionally attached to Absalom personalities through relationships. Absalom personalities are usually nice, friendly, lovable, and popular. Everyone loved Absalom (even David).
To deal with them appears as being “unloving” or “judgmental.”
Prepare for a Personal Attack
When you try to pull away from the Absalom personality, help a person infected by the Absalom spirit, or show support for the true leader, prepare to be attacked by the Absalom personality.
Being a religious hypocrite like the Pharisees who arranged the execution of Jesus, the Absalom personality will work hard to discredit you. Unfortunately, the only way to deal with him is to cut him off.
Many times those who operate in an Absalom spirit will leave a church out of rebellion but will want to stay in fellowship a bit. “We are still a part of the kingdom of God even if we are not in the same fellowship” is their reasoning. The logic sounds good, but both history and the fact that they are causing division are the indicators that their true motives are not for fellowship.
One thing the Absalom spirit cannot fail to do is to speak against what he has left behind.
Absalom Characteristics in a Nutshell
- They seek an audience.
- Kindness and favor are their tools. Sometimes they give special gifts and pour out exaggerated “sweetness.”
- Absalom caused division by sweetness, “stealing the hearts of David’s followers.”
- They tell people, “You are special to me.” A pernicious characteristic of deception is this: people do not know they are being deceived and set up. This is why discernment is critically important.
- They will give special treatment (e.g., fellowship, trips, gifts, or favors). Everyone likes to be treated in a special manner. Everyone wants to feel special. But when it is an Absalom personality making the offer, you must see it as bait and run the other way.
- Nothing the pastor / leadership does is good enough for Absalom.
- Behind the scenes, they covertly plant doubt concerning leadership. They look for faults in pastors and leaders.
- They have a hidden agenda. Absalom’s motives were not known until they manifested, and it was too late. You know where you stand with a Jezebel personality or a Korah personality, but an Absalom personality is sneaky and does things behind your back.
- Absalom tells you things you want to hear. A true pastor’s job is to speak the truth in love. Sometimes that truth hurts and requires change, but it is always for our good.
- An Absalom spirit eventually comes forward with open disloyalty and division.
- Absalom’s goal is to use his power and position to advance his own agenda, not to help you reach your goals and dreams.
- Absalom appears to be affectionate—all out of selfish motivation for personal gain. You will never be led into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ by associating with an Absalom spirit.
- Absalom is self-seeking, egotistical, and loves to listen to complaints that undermine authority.
- Absalom’s sole purpose is to manipulate people and situations so that he can have something that God has not given him!
“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” (Psalm 12:2)
- Absalom enlists others to his cause.
- He seeks out the advice of Ahithophel (the grandfather of Bathsheba). The Absalom spirit will look to someone of a fatherly nature to support him—someone he feels others actually respect. He may mention the names of those he wants you to believe support him.
- The Absalom spirit is not ashamed of freely dropping names of people he knows and deems to be prominent or powerful. He will seek to convince others that these people agree with him.
- Discontented people will enlist others in Absalom’s cause, rallying their own troops for rebellion.
- Absalom personalities will create division to benefit their own vengeance or cause.
- Absalom spirits will do their best to sow seeds of discontent with the purpose of undermining the authority God has placed in their lives.
WARNING: Absalom is not your friend.
- When an Absalom spirit is active, Jesus Christ no longer has the preeminence. That is why there is confusion, chaos, and bedlam. The Absalom spirit, though praying or serving hypocritically for show, does not want Jesus Christ to really enjoy preeminence. That is why this personality will call for or attend small meetings rather than seeking spiritual help and guidance from the Lord or their spiritual leadership. They are more interested in proving that how they see it is right rather than doing what God says is right.
“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)
- John the Apostle faced an Absalom personality in his day, and he was not afraid to expose him, warning others of his treachery.
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” (3 John 9-10)
- Those who have the trust of leadership are targets for an Absalom spirit. Stay loyal to the leader who is putting his trust in you even though he is not perfect. Either be loyal or leave quietly.
- Confront any Absalom personality who tries to manipulate you and use you. Then go straight to your leader and tell them about “Absalom” before it is too late.
- Always seek God’s kingdom and His way of doing things first. He will bring you deliverance and increase. (Matthew 6:33)
- Remember the words of King David, Absalom’s father:
“A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” (Psalm 101:4-8)
“. . . that in all things he [Jesus Christ] might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18c)
How to Deal with This Spirit
- Leaders and followers must exercise the gift of discerning of spirits. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
“The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.” (Proverbs 21:12)
- Proper role modeling. If people (including your family) who may not be aware of the spirit of Absalom see you fellowshipping with that individual, then they will think it is okay. This is a source of confusion.
- You must be a protector. Protect your family and those around you from being “kissed” by Absalom. Wolves do not come dressed as wolves but as sheep. Doing nothing will guarantee that Absalom will worm his way into the seat of authority.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
(Acts 20:28-31)
“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” (Proverbs 20:26)
- Stop tolerating their antics. Put an end to the Absalom spirit. Remember, this is an evil spirit that you are dealing with. Their involvement is going against God’s established authority and seeking to divide His kingdom. Nehemiah, for example, refused to give in to the antics of the Absalom personalities trying to distract him.
“Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:1-9)
- The Absalom spirit seems to be strengthened if he believes the leader is vulnerable. Strengthen and encourage your leader.
- Do not give someone with an Absalom spirit a place in the life of your family, ministry, or church. The only fruitful way to deal with an Absalom is to cut him off.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
- Be careful who you allow to influence your family and followers.
“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.” (Psalm 36:1-4)
- Be on guard. Mark those who cause division, and avoid them.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:17-18)
- Pray for them. Through prayer, some can be delivered from the Absalom spirit and be fruitful once again in the kingdom of God.
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:26-28)
- Know this – their own pride, unless they repent, will bring them down.
“9And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.” “14Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.” (2 Samuel 18: 9, 14)
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
- If you are aware of an Absalom spirit, be careful to notify your pastor or leadership so as to prevent further damage or division.
Personal Cautions
- If ever I am more concerned about my recognition than God’s mission, I am entertaining the Absalom spirit.
- If ever I seek to manipulate someone for personal gain, I have sided against God and have lost His blessing.
- If ever I dig a pit for another, I am sure to be buried in that very grave.
- If ever I believe that I need what someone else has to be happy, whether it is possessions or positions, I have lost sight of God, have lost my security in Him, and have taken a step closer to the Absalom spirit.
- If ever I am not content with what I have, I can be sure I will not be content with what I want.
- If ever I sow seeds of dissension and division (and diminish spiritual authority), I can be sure that I am operating in the Absalom spirit.
- If ever I think, “If I were in charge…,” it is a sure sign I do not have what it takes to be in charge.
- If ever I believe myself to be more in touch than the leadership, I need to be humbled.
- If ever I verbalize any agreement with disgruntled members, I am unworthy to be a leader.
- If ever I find myself manipulating rather than motivating, I will know that I am moving toward an Absalom spirit and must repent quickly.
- If ever I surround myself with people who have unresolved offenses, I will know I am on the road to shame and heartbreak.
- If ever I find myself looking for ways to prove how much more I know or how much more gifted I am than the pastor or leader, I will know I am embracing the spirit of Absalom.
- If ever I find myself subtly criticizing my pastor or my leader and have not sincerely invested time in praying for them and resolving the matter biblically, I can be sure that I am out of spiritual alignment. I must either repent or prepare for my future to be sabotaged.