Absalom was an expert in recruiting those that can help his rebellion. His catch was one of David's best counselors/ advisers, Ahithophel. That was a master stroke decision in his conspiracy.

He hunted for his father's most trusted adviser. Speaking about Ahithophel,  the bible says, “… the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom”( 2 Samuel 16:32). This man was full of wisdom.

When David learnt that Ahithophel was on the side of Absalom, knowing how good his counsel was, he prayed, “...LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness"(2 Samuel 15:31).

An associate pastor possessed with the spirit of Absalom will hunt for some of the most trusted men, advisers and financiers of his senior pastor's ministry. He may start going to their houses holding vigils, seeing fake visions and trying to catch their hearts so they can switch camp.

He will sell his vision to them knowing they have the capacity to counsel, support and do more than they have been doing for his boss. Some persons do not know that it is wrong to cast their vision to the same people their leader is leading. That way, you are trying to run a parallel government.

A rebellious associate pastor knows that If he can get a few elders and some board members to himself, he can establish his own government. He goes for the jugular of his leader. No one starts ministry this way and succeed. The beginning may look great but they don't always end well.

The spirit of Absalom applies in business as well, not only in ministry. If you serve in a company and you intend to establish yours, do not recruit the big customers of your boss to yourself before leaving. Resign properly, go far from your leader and market your business. Don't make yourself his competitor.

If we start doing things the right way, it becomes easier for the Lord to bless us because we lay the proper foundation.