Let me share a principle in the Bible that is still playing out today, yet many people may not be aware of it. I call it Absalom’s Principle.
Absalom’s Principle is a method some people use to gain power. Some succeed with it, others fail, but it is a principle that no true kingdom citizen should ever use. I use the word kingdom intentionally, because many people are in church but are not kingdom-minded—highlighting the importance of following Biblical leadership principles, which guide us to lead with integrity, humility, and a heart aligned with God’s purposes.
Sadly, some people in the church—who are not kingdom citizens—borrow leadership methods from worldly systems. Some even apply ideas from books like The 48 Laws of Power. While not everything in such books is evil, many of those principles are flesh-driven and manipulative. No kingdom leader should rely on such methods to lead God’s people.
Now, let’s look at Absalom’s Principle itself.
This principle involves gaining power by winning people’s hearts through manipulation—making the current leader appear incompetent while presenting oneself as the better alternative. I won’t go deep into Absalom’s full story here; you can read it in 2 Samuel 15:4–7.
Absalom sought the throne through the back door. He knew he was unlikely to become king through God’s ordained process—especially since God had already revealed that Solomon would reign after David. So instead of waiting on God, Absalom decided to steal the mandate—illustrating Saul's leadership principle, where impatience and taking shortcuts undermine God’s plan and ultimately lead to failure.
He deliberately portrayed his father, King David, as ineffective while making himself appear caring, attentive, and more capable. His strategy was simple: win the hearts of the people first, then take the crown.
Sadly, this same principle is still being used today—especially in churches.
Some people do not genuinely care about others, but suddenly become very caring when they are close to leadership or power. Their concern is not love-driven; it is position-driven. They begin to display certain body language and actions meant to convince people that they care more than the current leader.
These Absalom-principle users may start giving gifts, offering opportunities, making frequent calls, or paying regular visits—not because of love, but because they want to win loyalty and control. Deep down, they are not motivated by the love of Christ, but by lust for position—contrasting sharply with David's leadership principle, which teaches that true leaders build loyalty through integrity, service, and a genuine heart for people rather than manipulation or selfish ambition.
Once their ambition is threatened, they become hostile. If they eventually gain power, they often turn oppressive and controlling. They resist anyone who shows potential to rise higher than them.
If your gift or talent becomes a threat to such leaders, they may make life uncomfortable for you. They would rather push you out than allow you to shine. They prefer losing valuable contributors over risking being outshined.
Absalom’s way of gaining power is fleshly, manipulative, and demonic. It is not God’s method.
If you have known someone for years who never cared about your welfare, and suddenly they become overly attentive, pause and discern the reason for the sudden change. They may be using you as a means to achieve their hidden agenda.
Do not use Absalom’s Principle to gain power.
And do not become a victim of it.
You also need to know that the man at the front is not always the best man.
Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.
- The Great Will Always Make You Feel Great: A Life Lesson on True Leadership
- Taking Responsibility for Your Actions: The First Step to Personal and Spiritual Growth
- Focus on the Right Issue: How to Handle Conflict Without Destroying Relationships
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