Beware of Absalom's Deception
Reading: 2 Samuel 15:1-12; Matthew 7:15-20
Devotional: Absalom was beautiful, charismatic, and convincing. He positioned himself at the city gates, intercepting people with disputes, saying, "If only I were in charge, I'd give you justice." He stole hearts through flattery and false promises, dividing the kingdom with his rebellion.
Today's church faces countless "Absaloms"—voices on platforms, screens, and stages offering something that looks better, sounds better, and promises more. They criticize true shepherds while building their own kingdoms. They're not submitted to authority themselves but draw followers away from authentic community.
Discernment is critical. Does this voice point you toward Christ and His body, or toward themselves? Does it build up the local church or tear it down? True shepherds smell like sheep; false ones smell like cologne and ambition.
Application: Evaluate the spiritual voices you're following. Are they submitted to godly authority? Do they build up or divide the church?
Reading: 2 Samuel 15:1-12; Matthew 7:15-20
Devotional: Absalom was beautiful, charismatic, and convincing. He positioned himself at the city gates, intercepting people with disputes, saying, "If only I were in charge, I'd give you justice." He stole hearts through flattery and false promises, dividing the kingdom with his rebellion.
Today's church faces countless "Absaloms"—voices on platforms, screens, and stages offering something that looks better, sounds better, and promises more. They criticize true shepherds while building their own kingdoms. They're not submitted to authority themselves but draw followers away from authentic community.
Discernment is critical. Does this voice point you toward Christ and His body, or toward themselves? Does it build up the local church or tear it down? True shepherds smell like sheep; false ones smell like cologne and ambition.
Application: Evaluate the spiritual voices you're following. Are they submitted to godly authority? Do they build up or divide the church?
Posted in Devotional
Categories
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Wisdom From Above Versus Demonic WisdomBorn Again for the Battle AheadThe Reality of Spiritual WarfareLessons from Spiritual DisciplineThe Coming ApostasyThe Danger of Counting Grace CommonThe Flesh Wars Against the SpiritEnduring to the EndStay Connected to Your HerdNo Pain, No GainLessons from A Fasted LifeThe FoundationDoers of the WordReproduce Yourself - From Plateau to PurposeThe Power of God's WordThe Reality of ChoiceThe Holy Spirit—Our Neglected HelperLessons from Sorry ÇhristiansReligion vs. RelationshipHold on LooselyCitizens of Heaven, Not VisitorsTrue Repentance, Not Worldly SorrowBoldness at the Throne of GraceLiving as Imitators of GodChildlike Faith and Kingdom AccessStay Connected to Your HerdNo Pain, No GainThe Foundation - Faith, Hope, and Love
February
Practicing Virtues - Becoming Doers of the WordReproduce Yourself - From Plateau to PurposeThe Belt of TruthThe Breastplate of RighteousnessShoes of Peace and the Shield of FaithThe Helmet of SalvationLessons from The Mark is HereThe Sword of the SpiritLessons from Shoulda, Coulda, WouldaLessons from Daddy Issues
2025
February
July
From the Ashes 4/24/25Bringing Love to Life 6/15/25Baptism of Fire 6/8/25Fire from Heaven 6/1/25Calling all Warriors 5/25/25Gods Signature 5/18/25Clearly Deception 5/6/25Obadiah 5/2/25Living Among the Dead 4/17/25Palm Sunday 4/13/2025Worship is not a Song 4/3/25How to be Angry 3/26/25Circumcision of the Heart 3/18/25The Fathers RewardThe Emptiness of HolinessThe Holy HelperPoisoned by Words 7/27/25Bless Yourself 7/20/25Arrogancy in Errancy of Inerrancy 7/13/25Blood on the Altar 6/22/25
August
September
Tags
no tags