Understanding and Guarding Against the Deceptive Spirit of Absalom

Understanding the Spirit of Absalom

The story of Absalom in the Bible provides insight into a particular negative spirit that can affect people and groups. Just as Absalom covertly turned the hearts of many Israelites against his father King David, the spirit of Absalom subtlety turns people against rightful authority.

What is the Spirit of Absalom?

The term "spirit of Absalom" refers to a spirit of deception, rebellion, and division. It manifests through lies, manipulations, and distortions of truth intended to undermine legitimate authority and leadership. The ultimate goal of this spirit is to steal the hearts of followers and turn them against their anointed leaders.

This term comes from the Biblical story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Although David had secured Absalom’s place in the kingdom after Absalom had committed murder, Absalom conspired to steal the hearts of the people and overthrow his father’s kingdom (see 2 Samuel 15). The tactics he used parallel those used by the spirit named after him today.

Characteristics of the Spirit of Absalom

The spirit of Absalom has distinct attributes that manifest when it is at work. These include:

• Deception - Using lies, slander, manipulation, exaggerations to undermine leadership
• Division - Sowing discord, breaking unity, factionalizing groups
• Rebellion - Creating bitterness, resentment, resisting authority
• Stealing hearts - Turning opinion against leadership, charming people away from submission
• Self-promotion - Portraying itself as the better leader, the "true" authority figure
• Insinuation - Making vague but sinister accusations about the leader
• Blind ambition - Wanting to assume authority at any cost

How the Spirit of Absalom Operates

Those operating under the influence of the spirit of Absalom work covertly. Just as Absalom would stand by the city gates interacting with those coming in for the king’s judgments, the spirit works through conversation, relationship, and false sympathy for people’s complaints to turn them against God-ordained authority.

This spirit flatters and charms people while distorting truth and spinning lies about the legitimate leader. Skilful manipulation, exaggeration of small faults in leadership, and playing on people’s emotions allow this spirit to capture hearts. All the while, it presents itself as a better alternative to God’s choice in leadership.

The spirit of Absalom takes advantage of real issues and grievances people may have with their leaders. However, instead of promoting resolution, it stirs dissatisfaction into outright rebellion. The goal is always personal elevation and assuming the leader’s authority.

Guarding Against the Spirit of Absalom

The spirit of Absalom can gain ground in a church, business, political system, family, or any other group if left unchecked. However, there are things both leadership and followers can do to guard against it.

For Leadership

Leaders should be aware of the early warning signs of an Absalom spirit at work in their organization. These include:

• Flattery and excessive interest from an individual in gaining favour or a position
• Complaints that a specific person is sowing dissension by sympathizing with malcontents
• People ‘on the fence’ regarding direction or losing enthusiasm
• Cliques and factions forming with their own interests

If a leader discerns this spirit at work, prompt open communication, transparency regarding vision, and reinforcing unity and commitment to God’s purposes can prevent corruption. Checks and accountability measures should also be implemented if infiltration has already occurred.

For Followers

On the other hand, followers have a responsibility to:

• Test the spirits and verify the truth
• Avoid being charmed away from commitment by flattery
• Take issues with leadership through proper channels, not through gossip and destruction
• Pray for and stand with God-ordained authority unless it can be biblically proven they are in severe error

Resisting manipulation, refusing to entertain slander, and staying loyal to covenants and kingdom purpose counter this deception.

The Antidote

The primary antidote against the spirit of Absalom is living by truth, upholding integrity, and allowing God’s principles and purposes to guide relationships. Leadership should lead in transparency, justice, and humility while followers should commit to the vision, remain teachable, but test words and actions against God’s benchmark.

Walking in love and forgiveness while resolving issues through spiritual discipline and accountability also disables this spirit. Through discerning, resisting, and exposing this deception, the spirit of Absalom can be defeated and legitimate kingdom leadership upheld.

FAQs

What is the origin of the term "spirit of Absalom"?

The term comes from Absalom's story in the Bible. Absalom was King David's son who conspired against his father to overthrow his kingdom, stealing the loyalty of the people (see 2 Samuel 15). His actions characterize the spirit named after him today.

What does someone under the influence of this spirit act like?

They are manipulative, deceptive, divisive, ambitious, and self-promoting. Using charm and flattery, they undermine leaders, spread lies, sow discord, and present themselves as the better leader to steal people's loyalty.

Can this spirit affect churches today?

Yes, the spirit of Absalom can take root in churches, businesses, politics, families, or any group if unchecked. It takes advantage of grievances to turn people against authority figures and fracture unity.

How can we guard against this spirit personally?

Avoid being charmed by flattery. Test words against the truth. Refuse to entertain slander about leaders. Report issues through proper channels. Uphold God-ordained authority with prayer and commitment to kingdom purpose.