“One thing.” Curly, the white-haired cowboy, held up his index finger while trying to explain the secret to life to city boy Mitch Robbins. They were together on a cattle drive and Mitch was eager for the answer. Curly simply tells him, “That’s for you to figure out.” 

This is a scene from City Slickers, a 1990’s comedy about some friends who sign up for a week-long cattle drive while they each deal with their own mid-life crisis. Mitch is the main character who spends the rest of the movie trying to figure out the secret to life, that ‘one thing’ Curly mentioned. 

Mitch’s search is like Solomon’s throughout Ecclesiastes. Is there a secret to life or is it really like he says in verse 1:14: I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind. 

Solomon’s answer has been a tremendous help in my life. Although he says this in numerous ways throughout the book, I particularly like the way he words it in Ecclesiastes 5: 

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20) 

His ‘one thing’ is to receive and enjoy life as a gift from God. Enjoy the things He provides and the days He gives. Accept ‘your lot’ and don’t compare yourself to others. Be occupied with joy in God and from God. Joyfully serve others. Solomon’s secret is God-centered joy. 

There is a key difference between God-centered joy and the selfish pleasure Solomon described as vanity (2:1). God-centered joy understands it is in God’s character to give us good things just like he gave Adam trees that were pleasant to the sight and good for food (Genesis 2:9). He gave good tasting food; he painted the world in color; he gave friendship and family and laughter. 

How do you experience God-centered joy? 

Are you seeking pleasure in the wrong things, thus robbing you of joy in the gifts of God? 

How does your salvation in Jesus bring you joy? 

“One thing,” might be simplistic, but I dare you to find a better secret to life than God-centered joy. 

 By Philip Jones 

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship. 

Man’s Accomplishments: Chasing the Wind 

In the middle of his career, quarterback Tom Brady gave an answer during an interview that echoes Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes. At this point, Brady had won 3 of his 6 Super Bowl rings. “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there is something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, ‘Hey man, this is what it is. I reached my dream, my goal, my life is...’ Me, I think ‘God, it’s got to be more than this! I mean this, this can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be. I mean, I’ve done it. I’m 27 and what else is there for me?’” 

He had overachieved his life goals up to that point but still felt something was missing. Solomon had a similar experience as he pursued his ultimate goals: wisdom and knowledge. 

I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:16-17) 

If you were giving the interview to Tom Brady, what answer would you have offered? Better yet, what answer do you think Solomon would offer from Ecclesiastes? I think it would sound something like this: I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man  (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13). 

Notice how Solomon talks about our toil as God’s gift to us. Even jobs that are hard might end up on an episode of Dirty Jobs. Even jobs that don’t come with a paycheck can be considered a gift as they give us opportunities to use our hands and contribute to society. But also take note of what Solomon doesn’t say. He doesn’t say to focus on achievements or success in our work. Certainly, we should strive for excellence but if we always wait for the next raise or promotion before we are satisfied, we will be chasing the wind. 

Instead of focusing on accomplishments to bring us fulfillment, find joy by working as Paul describes in Colossians 3:17: Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

This is more fulfilling than 100 Super Bowl rings. I hope Brady figures this out. Have you? 

By Philip Jones 

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.