When Success Costs You Everything Else - Ecclesiastes 4:1 – 6:12 | September 3, 2026

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation through Ecclesiastes 4-6. The hosts dig into what Solomon has to say about work, wealth, envy, and isolation — and why the busiest, most "successful" lives can still end up empty if relationships get sacrificed along the way. Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4:1 – 6:12 - Solomon reflects on social injustice, competitive envy, the loneliness of hoarding wealth, and the tension between chasing career success and preserving what matters most — relationships, health, and a quiet heart before God. In This Episode: Why Ecclesiastes 5:12 says the hardworking sleep well but the rich often don't The difference between working "in" a business versus working "on" it How short-term goals can blind us to the long-term cost to our relationships Why intentionality — not balance — is the key to protecting what matters How career success can quietly become someone's whole identity Guarding your steps and cultivating holy silence in worship (Ecclesiastes 5:1) Practical thoughts on the value of prayer, quiet, and the current 21 Days of Prayer Key Quote: "Just because you are successful in one area of your life... doesn't mean you are leading a successful life. It just means you're trying really hard and concentrating on that one area where your view might need to be broader." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering a brief but meaningful conversation around God's Word. Hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church, each episode is designed to help you slow down, open your Bible, and reflect on Scripture in community. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily reading — new episodes drop every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the Old Testament wisdom literature this week, unpacking more of Solomon's reflections on life, work, and worship — and how they apply to our modern, distraction-filled world. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Ecclesiastes #WisdomLiterature #WorkLifeBalance #Prayer