The myth of anonymity

So you think that what you are doing is absolutely secret, do you? No one has seen you. Don’t be sure.

A story is told about Vladimir Putin, the former head of the Russian KGB, as well as president of Russia. Putin is online before a group of reporters and reads aloud the following: “A question has come anonymously, ‘Hey, Vova, are you scared by the anonymous users on the Internet?’” Putin looks at the journalists, then writes and reads his response: “To the author of the anonymous question, the user with the IP address 193.200.15.129 using the Internet service provider Vladivostok.net, living on Lenin Prospekt 3, floor 2, apartment 8, Ivan Ivanovich Ivanon, I respond: No, I am not scared by the anonymous users on the Internet, and, incidentally, you may expect a knock on your locked door within 20 minutes. Spaseba! [thank you]”

Anonymity is a myth that doesn’t fit reality in a modern, wired and electronic world. And there never has been such a thing as anonymity with God, either. That may be good news to some, but disturbing news to those who do wrong. It’s good because it means God knows your needs, your pain, your heartache, your joys and your triumphs; but it also means He knows the secrets of your heart, the times you denounce your sense of right and wrong.

Here’s what Scripture says: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). That truth – the realization that God knows everything – will cause your heart to rejoice or be filled with fear. It all depends on your relationship with Him.

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address [email protected]. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.