NOT only did George Orwell remind us in 1984 that Big Brother was watching us but in 2000 Davina McCall reminded us we were watching Big Brother (well, the more stupid among us, at least!). 

As someone who has actually appeared in the Big Brother house, I know what it is to be watched.

Now Eric Pickles is telling us Big Brother should stop watching us since our borough authorities are making too much money out of us when we park in the wrong place or are caught infringing local by-laws.

The Big Brother Eye is fine for watching housemates but not so acceptable, it seems, when it comes to catching criminals.

Personally, I’d rather be reassured the law was using modern technology to make my streets safer, even if it means someone in front of a monitor somewhere can see me picking my nose in public.

But it’s not really Big Brother who is watching me out of a sense of filial concern, nor a computer assessing my daily movements.

It is my Heavenly Father who really does love me (and you too!) and who sees even when a sparrow falls.

It is God who is watching us. It is because He delights in us and we are His children.