Self Empowerment
by Susan Bertalotto
March 2009
Self Empowerment is a buzz-word that has been used for teaching people to increase their self-image and be more assertive in daily life. The premise is the process of finding the resourcefulness inside an individual which translates into a stronger, worthier, more confident person.
The Bible refers to Self Empowerment in these scriptures:
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
1st Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
SELF Empowerment is not in the Bible, other than as works of the flesh. Then why are “Christian” organizations and individuals promoting it as though it was a fruit of the Spirit of God, and not solely the wisdom of man?
One reason is Love of Money (1st Timothy 6:10). There is much money to be made in enabling people (mostly women) to excel above others, to be ambitious in their spirituality (emulation-a work of the flesh-Galatians 5:19-21). It’s much cheaper (and doctrinally sound) to go with what Jesus said “…let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
Another reason is Power. On this page at reference.com, it is stated (bold added):
The term Human Empowerment covers a vast landscape of meanings, interpretations, definitions and disciplines ranging from psychology and philosophy to the highly commercialized Self-Help industry and Motivational sciences.
[…]
The process which enables one to gain power, authority and influence over others, institutions or society. Empowerment is probably the totality of the following or similar capabilities:-
- Having decision-making power of one’s own
- Having access to information and resources for taking proper decision
- Having a range of options from which you can make choices (not just yes/no, either/or.)
- Ability to exercise assertiveness in collective decision making
- Having positive thinking on the ability to make change
- Ability to learn skills for improving one’s personal or group power.
- Ability to change others’ perceptions by democratic means.
- Involving in the growth process and changes that is never-ending and self-initiated
- Increasing one’s positive self-image and overcoming stigma
- Increasing one’s ability in discreet thinking to sort out right and wrong
The power of God is not what the Self-Help industry is selling. As I stated in the article Metaphysics and Jesus Christ:
If there isn’t any money to be made, then what would be the point? Notice that all the proponents of metaphysics will take a concept, create a process of implementation, and SELL it. Jesus Christ can not be sold! Therefore, you won’t find anyone who is selling the real salvation of man. Metaphysics proponents are working very hard to present a facsimile, a substitute, that unsuspecting, undiscerning people will buy, or buy into.
Here are some buzz-words/phrases that go along with Self Empowerment:
self-image
self-esteem
find your destiny/identity
discover your God-given gifts
be a champion
we are little gods
recognize your potential
live your dream
live the dream God has for you
poverty is of the devil
realize the power inside you
discover how to dig down deep and “grab” your determination
transformation is the key to a better life in God
This instruction erroneously teaches that we choose what our destiny will be based on the world’s perception of greatness, positive image, comfort, and power — based on metaphysics, an occult/New Age concept of controlling ourSELVES and the world WITHOUT Jesus Christ. Self Empowerment depends on humans’ efforts, not God’s power. The proponents are training undiscerning Christians a “new” unbiblical spirituality — one that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2nd Corinthians 10:5).
Don’t be deceived by Self-Empowerment and its euphemisms. Just because one feels better about one’s SELF is no reason to abandon the clear mandates in scripture.
Use the Bible as your only source of information. Do not believe any doctrine or teaching that is not substantiated by the Word of God.
Some “Christians” and conferences:
Sunday Adelaja
The Road To Greatness
Liz Babbs
Book: Into God’s Presence
Video: On Daystar TV with Ron Luce
Victoria Boyson
A proponent of “finding your destiny”
Barbie Breathitt
Her New Age prophecy states “God has hidden destiny and eternity in our hearts.” which is a pantheistic teaching (God is in all of creation, including all humans).
Bil Cornelius
Glo Conference
Mark Chironna
Stepping Into Greatness
Casey Treat
Book: How to Be Your Best When You Feel Your Worst
Article: Page 1 and Page 2 Finding Your True Identity
plus many more …
Simplicity In Christ 