Understanding and Preventing the Spread of an Absalom Spirit

Understanding the Spirit of Absalom

The story of Absalom in the Bible provides insight into a particular negative spirit that can infect people and movements. Absalom was a son of King David who turned against his father out of ambition and pridefulness. His story reveals characteristics of what has become known as an "Absalom spirit."

What the Bible Says About Absalom

Absalom was considered very handsome, articulate, and charming. He used his gifts to steal the hearts of many people and eventually led a coup against his own father's kingdom. As 2 Samuel 15:6 (ESV) states:

"In this way Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

This verse describes Absalom's scheming actions to undermine his father's leadership. Absalom stationed himself at the city gate where people came to have issues judged. He offered sympathy and support, while suggesting King David was indifferent to their troubles. This cunning deception allowed Absalom to increase his prestige and develop a following.

Hallmark Attitudes of an Absalom Spirit

The attitudes and behaviors displayed by Absalom have become hallmarks of the spirit of Absalom manifesting in other people and situations throughout history. Some main characteristics include:

• Rebellion against established authority
• Self-promotion and ambitious selfishness
• Manipulating others through flattery and false sympathy
• Sowing discord and conspiring behind the scenes
• A desire for prestige, recognition, and personal glory

How the Absalom Spirit Enters In

The spirit of Absalom gains entrance where pride, unhealed wounds, and ambition for position rule people's hearts. Someone infected with this spirit often feels they have been overlooked or mistreated by leaders. Like Absalom, they craft conspiracies to falsely paint authorities as uncaring and incompetent in order to elevate themselves.

This spirit can infect not just individuals but ministries and movements. It draws people who have felt spurned and spreads a false narrative of victimhood. The aim is always personal exaltation rather than a desire for truth, justice, reconciliation, or the greater good.

Recognizing People Driven by an Absalom Spirit

It takes godly wisdom and discernment to recognize someone operating under the influence of an Absalom spirit. They can appear sympathetic, passionate, and interested in progress on the surface. However, the driving motives underneath are pride and rebellion.

Ask God for insight as you observe words and actions over time. An Absalom spirit will likely manifest some of these tendencies:

• They cast themselves as a victim treated unfairly by leadership
• They lobby supporters by exaggerating or fabricating stories of mistreatment
• They use flattery and charm while subtly degrading established authority
• They crave recognition and followers to validate their own importance

Where to Spot an Absalom Spirit in the Church

The spirit of Absalom especially targets those in authority. It seeks to infect disgruntled individuals on the fringes of a church or group. Accusations get whispered that leadership is uncaring, unrighteous, or ignores important issues.

This spirit also particularly manifests around transitions of authority. For instance, when a well-respected pastor hands off leadership or as eldership changes. The conspiring person aims to steal the hearts of people toward themselves during vulnerable leadership moments.

Healing and Breaking Free From an Absalom Spirit

Freedom starts with recognizing an Absalom spirit has taken root. Repentance and deliverance through God's power can heal and break this spirit's influence. Humbling oneself before God and leadership paves the way for restored relationships.

For leaders dealing with someone operating in an Absalom spirit, prayer is essential along with discernment, wisdom, and sound judgment regarding influences allowed in the community. Guarding unity while extending grace and accountability fosters an environment for healing.

Preventing the Spread and Influence of an Absalom Spirit

Once an Absalom spirit infects a community, strife often follows. Gossip, slander, politicking, and forming factions deaden a group's spiritual life. Constant turmoil makes it impossible to focus on God’s true purposes.

Leaders play a key role in prevention. Maintaining accountability structures and giving appropriate voice to complaints helps reduce breeding grounds for rebellion. Humility and approachability in leadership also allows people to share hurts while minimizing secret conspiracies.

Each person additionally carries responsibility. Avoid participating in slander or aligning with factious groups. Rather go directly to spiritual authorities with questions and concerns. Pray for discernment and unity along with the healing of wounds fueling rebellion.

Moving in True Spiritual Authority

Absalom allowed his giftings and skills to feed selfish ambition instead of building God's Kingdom. His story offers a sobering warning against seeking authority for ego and recognition versus serving in authentic spiritual leadership.

As in David's response to his son’s treachery, God seeks reconciliation not destruction. Each of us must guard our hearts against the schemes of an Absalom spiritwhile humbly moving in the authority God grants us to serve his eternal purposes.

Through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, the spirit of Absalom can be overcome. God faithfully provides escape from temptations and traps seeking to ensnare Kingdom work and steal God-given destinies (1 Corinthians 10:13). Aligning with truth allows God's ultimate victory to prevail.

FAQs

What are the typical behaviors of someone with an Absalom spirit?

Some common behaviors include rebellion against authority, self-promotion, manipulating others through flattery, sowing discord behind the scenes, and craving prestige and personal recognition.

How can you recognize if someone is influenced by an Absalom spirit?

Look for signs like them casting themselves as a victim, exaggerating stories of mistreatment, subtly degrading leadership, and craving followers to validate self-importance.

Where does the Absalom spirit often target?

This spirit frequently targets those already in authority to try to discredit them. It also manifests around leadership transitions as it seeks to steal people's hearts.

How can someone find freedom from an Absalom spirit?

Freedom starts with humble self-recognition followed by repentance and deliverance through God's power. Restored relationships pave the way for healing and breaking free from its influence.