Meet Eric Colton

Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).
The film The Pursuit of Happyness  tells the story of a man who lost almost everything he had, despite his tireless series of entrepreneurial efforts. He was forced to live on the streets with his young son, humbled, hurting, and shedding many tears. He never gave up trying. In the end he was blessed with a job that provided for him beyond anything he had ever dreamed.
As I watched this movie, I was able to identify with some of the character’s bad days. A couple of years ago, I was financially challenged because of a business failure. Fortunately, I was involved in a community group at Watermark. They were ready to listen, show me compassion, calm my nerves, and push me fervently to get a part-time job.

I ended up waiting tables. I was stubborn and reluctant at first. I did not want to demean myself to take this job. However, my group still pushed me to take the job. They encouraged me to keep my focus on the Lord and on the heavenly rewards He promises, not on my situation. So I did. While I was there, the Lord humbled and used me to encourage others in ways that I would have never imagined. During the time I worked there, two lost souls accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and several couples I waited on started coming to our church.
As Christians, our lives are no longer our own. We have died to self and accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Because of this, we are called to live (and work) by His standards—not our own—and literally to become imitators of Him. The apostle Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV). When we work, our actions become a witness to all those around us. So be encouraged, work diligently no matter what, and realize that your reward is in heaven!