The Laban Syndrome
Start & Finish Date: 24/03/2025 -18/04/2025
Author: Dr. John Bendixen
Summary
The Laban Syndrome book really caused me to think deeply. I had already made the decision to turn my back on the world, and as far as I knew before reading the book, I thought I had turned my back on Laban too. But it showed me just how easy it is to be caught in the Laban trap, even when you believe you’re doing the right things spiritually. It revealed not only the way I viewed people but also the hidden personal expectations I carried.
I realized how much I’ve been operating in a value-based mindset—constantly evaluating how much worth I bring, how valuable I could be if I just had a certain skill, and even comparing myself to others, thinking about how much better they are than me and how far I fall short of the life I desire.
The importance of plantedness—being rooted, listening to your spiritual father, and aligning with the words that come from your planted place. If I expect to avoid the path of Laban and walk in what God has for me, then I must stay in the Word, remain in the messages, and not sell my birthright just because I don’t feel like making the sacrifice of committing my whole life to God. I cannot try to earn God’s goodness through my own efforts or skills.
When you heed the words of your spiritual father, you develop a deep honor and appreciation for the blessing that comes through him. That honor positions you to receive fully what the Father intends for you.
Laban will always try to keep you from the fullness of God’s promises, but if you are willing and pursue God’s way, He will provide an escape. Just like Jacob, you must be ready to respond immediately when God says “Go.” Don’t let love for the comfort or riches of the world make you stay “just a little longer” and miss your moment.
Q&A
1.Where have you spotted Laban Syndrome in your own life?
One of the places I spotted Laban Syndrome in my life is trusting in my own skill instead of God—not wanting to go for something or not even believing God can use me in a certain area because I lack skill and don’t think it would be wise to be in that position.”
2. What key events in your life have you recognized as part of God’s constellation for you?
One of the key events of God’s constellation was not only joining iXchnage, but my whole family moving to Witbank. During the first year and part of my second, I felt as though I still had a place in Joburg to go back to. But since my family moved here, I saw God showing me that Witbank is my permanent place—which I know is part of His constellation for me.
Favourite Quotes
“Don’t go to past experiences, old ways of thinking, and habits of how you used to do things – your past should not impact your future experience.”
“There is a partnership that develops between God and yourself when you walk in your constellation and there is then nothing that can prevent you from fulfilling your assignment.”