I love to people watch, I love to listen to conversations and assess human behaviour and the hidden messages behind perfectly knit phrases.  Outside of my theological training I continued on with my education in the area of Sociology. It was here that I studied the development of Family, Children, Social Norms and Behaviours. I found it unbelievably fascinating, and although one may be scratching their head on how the two fields work together, I can assure you that they do!  

As a mentor, teacher, pastor, evangelist, worship leader, corporate agent, etc. human interaction is inevitable so to understand what people say and do, will better equip us in granting grace, patience, and compassion to all people regardless of their age, gender or race. 

When we hear the word Placebo we think of a substance or treatment of no intended therapeutic value; however, as I researched further I came upon an interesting definition which helped me develop this month's post. The word Placebo can also be defined as "a measure designed merely to calm or please someone." 

To "calm or please" is my focus because it demonstrates that human nature, by pressures of society provokes us to create our own platforms to calm and please our selfish tendencies, i.e. self-gratification. Meaning, your self-made (any man made) platform is a Placebo (fake). 

We live in a world that measures accolades, status, wealth, homes, cars, vacations, social media following, fashion and so much more. We want to be heard, we want to be seen, we want to be praised, we want to be recognized, we want to be loved. What do we want? What do we really long for? The answer could be connectivity because in a world that is so fast paced, we often find ourselves surrounded by people, yet we still go home feeling isolated. The answer could be comfort though we have family, friends, and comforts of wealth, yet we still go home feeling incomplete. May I propose the answer is Identity. 

The common denominator in theological studies, psychology and sociology is the foundation of identity. Merging all three together and you can have a very powerful understanding that Biblically we find peace, comfort, love, healing, hope, joy, and sustainability in our identity through Christ. Knowing that we are His and He is ours births fullness and completion, Outside of these parameters nothing else matters. Ref. Ephesians 2:10. When we are confident in our identity and fuse it with purpose we become well rounded, rational members of society better equipped to pave the way for future generations.  Losing our identity by furiously chasing our ego only paves the way for chaos, distraction and confusion. You cannot be a catalyst for change if you chose to be a follower of selfish ambition. 

Pastor PK Olawale once said, "Your rich name means nothing when your Spirit is poor." 

It is mortality to live for the riches of the world and gain nothing as a Child of God because of unused purpose and potential.  Ref. Colossians 3:1-3. Cutting others down just to lift yourself up will get you nowhere in life, even if it seems like your gaining the whole world. This is the illusion of a Placebo, it seems real though your reality is altered. Once reality does set in, you will realize that you're still at the same place you started: Lost.