Danger in the Local Church
Part 7
by Dr. John Tetsola

Last month we disclosed two additional traits of the spirit of disloyalty and betrayal. We mentioned how the carrier of the Absalom spirit criticizes leadership decisions, and uses his own criteria for judging the decisions of leadership over him. Additionally, we discussed the spirit of competitiveness, and that the spirit of Absalom is always competitive. We are to complete one another and not compete with one another. To further prepare ourselves so that we don't fall victim or be used by this spirit, let's unveil two additional characteristics that this spirit of disloyalty and betrayal displays.

The Fault Finding Spirit

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.
2 Samuel 15:3-5

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. 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 counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
2 Samuel 15:10-16

Absalom feeds his followers on fault finding and a critical spirit. His disciples become experts on what is wrong with everything. The same spirit of Absalom transfers to his disciples. They criticize every ministry in town. Only they have all the truths. This spirit goes everywhere they go, contaminating others. If this spirit stays long in a church, it will boldly lead a conspiracy. Innocent people get drawn into conspiracy without knowing what is going on. Absalom calls for a meeting and if you respond, you can become his prey and eventually be hurt by it.

The Justification of Conspiracy

And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also. But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city. Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.

For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.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 18:1-3, 7-9
 

Absalom will justify his conspiracies. He focuses on small, unimportant issues. In some cases, he will lead a small band out of the church. But know this; everything led by Absalom is cursed. It will not prosper. If Absalom leads an insurrection, it will never grow. It will not make it. It does not matter how holy it may seem. If it was started by an Absalom spirit, it is cursed from its inception. If you are an Absalom and never deal with it, you will meet Absalom in your own companions. You are doomed to meet the same thing you manifested. If you start something with an Absalom spirit and get people around you, you have just inherited an Absalom in your own camp. When an Absalom spirit is manifested, it breaks relationships, and splits people in churches, teams and businesses. It produces a great deal of casualties, and innocent people get hurt and destroyed.

by Dr. John A. Tetsola