Welcome to episode #247! 🎙️ Pure Victory Podcast: Toxic People- The Company You Keep Can Determine Your Path!
In this episode of the Pure Victory Podcast, Braden explores a truth we often overlook when it comes to living in freedom — the company we keep shapes the direction of our lives.

When we’re trying to build healthy patterns and overcome addiction, the voices that influence us have incredible power. Some people lift us higher, while others — often without even realizing it — hold us back like crabs in a bucket, pulling us down the moment we start to climb out.

Braden unpacks what it means to recognize toxic relationships, set healthy boundaries, and choose environments that nurture spiritual growth. Through biblical wisdom, real-life examples, and a story of King Ahab and Jezebel from 1 Kings 21, he reveals how destructive influence can quietly derail freedom — and how choosing godly voices can restore it.

Key Points:

• Freedom grows in the right environment.
  You can want freedom, but it won’t grow if your environment doesn’t support it. Toxic relationships can keep you stuck in cycles of shame and unhealthy behavior.
• Toxic people aren’t always “bad” people.
  Often, they act out of insecurity or fear of being left behind. But their influence can still drag you down if you don’t set boundaries.
• The “crabs in a bucket” principle.
  When one crab tries to climb out, the others pull it back down — and no one escapes. Toxic relationships work the same way: resistance rises when you start to change.
• Boundaries protect your heart.
  You can love people and still limit their access to your heart. Boundaries aren’t rejection — they’re protection.
• Scriptural insight: King Ahab & Jezebel (1 Kings 21).
  Ahab’s toxic relationship with Jezebel clouded his judgment and led him into jealousy, deceit, and even murder. Toxic influence always distorts truth and normalizes compromise.
• Healthy people sharpen you.
  “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
  Real friends challenge you to grow; they call out the best in you — not the worst.

Practical Takeaways:

• Take inventory of your circle.
  Who are the people speaking into your life? Do they help you grow toward freedom, or do they pull you back into bondage?
• Discern between challenge and toxicity.
  Not everyone who confronts you is negative. True friends speak truth in love — even when it’s hard to hear.
• Set wise boundaries.
  Ask God for discernment in how to love difficult people without letting them influence your spiritual health.
• Choose voices that lift you higher.
  Surround yourself with people who live in victory, who speak faith and freedom, and who believe in your growth.
• Follow Jesus’ example.
  Even Jesus set boundaries with people who tried to undermine His mission. He stayed close to those hungry for truth and transformation.

Scripture Highlight:

📖 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
📖 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23

Challenge for the Week:

This week, take stock of the voices in your life.
 Ask yourself:

• Who helps me grow closer to Jesus?
• Who pulls me back into old patterns?
   Pray for wisdom to set healthy boundaries and courage to pursue life-giving community.

 
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Podcast Host

BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and h...