[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Maybe I just don't like your word choice: empowerment. But maybe you are referring to I Peter 5:6-7 and Luke 14:7-11. Also, see Job. God will exalt us in due time (not in the way these people mean). We are to humble ourselves. That's our part. We are not to seek exaltation. And when God lifts us up, it will not be something we measure by worldly standards. We should be content, humble and grateful.

Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

1 Peter 5
5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
5:7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Is that what you meant?

[Preachin']

"Is that what you meant?"

Exactly!

God is looking to make us holy. This self-esteem thing got out of hand.