READ: 2 Samuel 15:1-13
...so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
2 Samuel 15:6
Absalom
needed to gain a following and he knew what to do. He had to win the
hearts of the people. Unfortunately , Absalom had no right to the hearts
of the people. That is why the Bible uses the phrase “he stole the
hearts” of the people.
Dangerous sons want what does not belong to them. The most valuable
thing a leader possesses is the heart of his followers. If their hearts
are with you, then you are in control. Leadership is all about winning
the hearts of those you lead. When David realized that the hearts of the
people were with Absalom, he knew that he had to flee.
“Absaloms” are usually handsome or gifted individuals. Unfortunately ,
it is gifted, anointed and successful ministers who are tempted to
become “Absaloms”. Every senior pastor must watch the “gifted” ones
closely . It is a real temptation to become a dangerous son when you are
gifted. Mysteriously , the very gift that God gives can become a snare
to you. As someone said, "Can you stand to be blessed?" Do not let your
gift become your snare.
Can you carry an anointing? Can you carry an anointing for long? Can
you be gifted without becoming disloyal? Can you be a blessed son
without becoming an Absalom? Can you be rich without becoming proud? Can
you have access to the people without stealing their hearts? Can anyone
leave you in charge of his church without your taking over? Can someone
found a church and leave it in your care for a year without your
stealing the hearts of the people?
