Being known

I had one of those telephone calls today. You know, a pleasant sounding young man with a strong Indian accent introducing himself as Chris. "Mr. Oxbrow, I understand you are having some problems with your computer, unwanted messages and the like .... well let's see if I can help you with that. May I call you Mark?" Despite my lame protest, "No my computer is fine and I didn't call anyone for help", he presses on, "Now for security can you confirm you address is (and he quotes my full address) and tell me your date of birth." Wait a minute, who am I talking to? How does he know so much about me? It was of course a scam - put "Support on Click" into your browser if you want to know more. They didn't hook me, not this time!

How is it that sometimes it is very comforting when someone knows all about you (the doctor who remembers you from last year's visit, or the waiter who knows exactly where you like to sit) but sometimes its very scary. It worries me that Tesco know exactly what type of cheese I like and when I'm likely to buy more; and when the person I go to meet for the first time has 'researched' me on Google first I feel a little naked. I suppose it has to do with trust - who do I trust to know everything about me and still love me, still be good to me? That's why being known by God is such a pleasure, setting me free to be myself - as I really am.

They say "knowledge is power" and so it is for the potential scam merchant, but for God "knowledge is love".