Spiritual Placebos

“This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles … every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction … they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.”—2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 NLT

By definition, a placebo is a substance with no inherent medicinal capabilities, given to fool patients into thinking they are taking genuine medicine. Their minds are tricked.

But research reports that some scientists have found ways to bring real health benefits from placebos. They have been proven to help even when patients knew they were taking a placebo.

Fake medicine has an impact because it boosts the connection between the brain and body, activating aspects of the healing process. It can trigger the same response as real medicine. So effective is this procedure that some doctors said they have prescribed placebos for their patients.

In the spiritual realm, many people are fooled by various kinds of fakes. Our enemy, Satan, specializes in counterfeits, trying to deceive and fool us. The Bible says, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). He tries to trick us with displays of “counterfeit power” and even “signs and miracles.”

He seeks to “use every kind of evil deception.” He promises solutions that might seem to work but that ultimately point us in the wrong direction. He works to deceive us into believing his lies.

Stay on guard from this kind of deception. Don’t be fooled. Fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. It is the truth. It provides answers that really work. Seek to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit, always alert and prayerful.

Reflection Question: In what spiritual areas are you susceptible to being fooled?