People love Lost Sheep

Even in Augustine's day, lost sheep were the recipients of much praise, or at least more so than those who are "normal". Augustine writes, "O loving God, what is it in men that makes them rejoice more for the salvation of a soul that was despaired of or one delivered from a major peril, than if there had always been hope or the peril had been less" (145). This concept of praising the lost sheep is still seen today. For example look at the NFL. When the Patriots beat San Diego to advance to the super bowl, they received less praise than did the Giants who struggled to pass Green Bay. Everyone knew the Patriots would be super bowl contenders, but there were a larger number of skeptics concerning the success of the Giants. Despite the Patriots record breaking season, the Giants received more praise for their win because it was an upset. Augustine writes, "Greater joy is heralded by greater pain". This statement still rings true today because man likes to watch others succeed after encountering significant opposition, not easily on their first try.