Absalom was the third son of David who staged a great coup d' etat against his own biological father. In the annals of history, Absalom's rebellion is a case to study. It is worth researching.

Today, the spirit of Absalom roams around churches, organizations and institutions seeking whom to possess. Almost everywhere you turn today, the spirit of Absalom is at work with subtlety.

One of my pastors once told me about how her former senior pastor told her to join forces against the church evangelist. The senior pastor felt threatened by the guts of the church evangelist who asked for an account of certain income to be given. As I speak, that church is no more. It cracked from within and imploded because the spirit of Absalom was at work there.

The very first striking trait of anyone possessed by the spirit of Absalom is their penchant for usurping authority that is not delegated to them. They desire to oust those in power and authority and they think the best way to do it is to arrogate to themselves power that hasn't been given to them.

As a prince, I doubt he was entitled to horses and chariots but he got one for himself including bodyguards thereby creating a false sense of importance. Beware of those in a team who tries to create a false sense of importance than the leader. I have seen this happen among the brethren. It is the spirit of Absalom at work. This is a common trait of rebellious associates.

Next on their agenda is to paint their leaders bad, expose his weakness and incompetence and then promote their strength. Doing this, they point the attention of everyone to themselves. The honour and attention that should go to the leader now goes to them. God is displeased with such.

That spirit that makes you feel you'll do better If you were the leader may just be the spirit of Absalom. It prevents one from submitting as one should because one would be eyeing what is not right in leadership and scheming to take over instead of thinking of how to contribute positively.

If you are an associate, endeavour to be a loyal associate. Nobody wants an Absalom in his team. Stay within the confines of power and authority given to you. Don't try to act in place of your leader.