Under the Influence

There is an alarming mindset that people are under. It's not a new to us. As a matter of fact it originated in the Old Testament. This mindset is very dangerous. It can and will, if not changed, destroy your life, your families lives, your church, your relationships, and your relationship with God. This was the mindset of Absalom, one of King Davids sons. I pose this question to you today: When it comes to the mindset of Absalom, are you under the influence?

2 Samuel 13 talks about a very disturbing story or hurt, grudges, and murder. Amnon, one of King Davids sons, strongly lusted after his sister Tamar (Absaloms sister). He raped her against her will. When Absalom heard of the news, he hated his brother with the deepest hate. He held a grudge against him for two years. Two years later, Absalom then gathers his brothers and he talks about Amnon to them. The brothers hearts turn against Amnon as a result to this. During a feast, Absalom and his brothers all together murdered Amnon. This hurt the King and started the decline of the royal family.

What can we learn from this? When you are under the influence of Absalom, you carry hurt in your life for a long time. This hurt was more than likely the result of someone hurting you or someone you love. After a while, you begin to gossip about the one who hurt you to your friends, family, church family, and just about anyone who will listen. The outcome of this is whoever listens to your gossip will turn their hearts against who hurt you. Misery loves company as they say. Then the attack comes. Your victom is hurt beyond anything because the ones that said they cared about them just, out of nowhere, attacked. Then everyone is hurt all because you held onto bitterness, grudges, hatred, gossip, and lies.

Now take a look back at your life and what you are doing. I want you to ask yourself, "Am I under the influence of Absalom?"