Lost

   Christ shares three consecutive parables with a the theme of being lost. The first parable is of the lost sheep, then the lost piece of silver and lastly the lost son. Christ shares these parables after the Pharisees and scribes criticize Christ for spending time with sinners. So, for the most part Christ is referring to the state of different sinners or just of people who have strayed from believing in God. In each parable he presents a description for a certain group and the best way to help them so that they can continue with a faith in God.
   The first parable of the lost sheep focuses on those that wander. Just like the sheep, many people today don't intend on leaving the fold of God, perhaps they get distracted by a new hobby or job and the next thing they know is that they've strayed from their faith in God. In this case its important to go out and find those that have wandered and to bring them back. Next, the piece of silver is lost because of neglect. On my mission I met a lot of people who stopped going to church simply because they didn't feel like they were included nor apart of the local church. So, just as in the parable we need to seek out those people who feel neglected or that have been misplaced or forgotten. Lastly, the prodigal son, he was lost not because he wandered nor because he was neglected but because he chose to be lost. In this case, the best way to approach someone who willingly rebels against God is to be patient and give them time to come to themsleves. Although every situation is different these parables can be applied to a variety of situations to better help a wide variety of people find or regain faith in God.
   Regardless of the case we can never loose hope. No matter the situation someone is in there is always a chance that they'll come unto Christ. As we look to help those who are lost or who have wandered or those who willingly leave we can have faith that they will eventually come to God. When that day comes my joy and your joy will  be shared with those in heaven, for "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over [a] sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10)