"Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel." 2 Samuel 15:6 (NLT)

Absalom was a bitter and jealous man. He wanted the king's position, and manipulated things in order to steal the hearts of the people of Israel. On the outside and in the eyes of most of the people Absalom seemed like a fine up-standing man, one who sought justice for the people, but inside he was full of deceit and lies. Absalom was successful in manipulating the people and stealing their hearts away from the king.

Absalom is long gone, but the same spirit that lived in him thrives in the world today. The Absalom spirit is one of jealousy and manipulation. It is both subtle and wise, carefully plotting to steal the hearts of men and women to fulfill its own personal agenda, and will do so at all cost! King Solomon wrote, "A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you." As God's children we must always be aware of the Absalom spirit that seeks to glorify itself by all means. On the outside this person is kind and generous, they are a person that many will hold in high regards, but inside they are full of treachery. They use flattering words to lure unsuspecting victims into their plans of self-glorification. Stay alert!! We are told not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirit to see if it is from God! Be aware of those who would use flattering words to lead you astray! Try the spirit to see if it is of God! Does the Spirit in you agree with the spirit in those you are working with? Do the actions of those you have submitted to fall in line with God's Holy Word? Don't be afraid to judge those who say they are of God, if you are, you may find yourself seduced into a position you cannot easily escape!

"It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, You must remove the evil person from among you."  

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (NLT)