10/09/2026
“WELL, IF YOU TAKE GOD OUT OF YOUR DAILY LIFE, THAT’S SCARY.” — Mike Ditka
Today, legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka passed away at 86 years old.
In a 2018 interview about his faith, Ditka made that statement. It’s a powerful thought, especially in light of his passing today.
But it got me thinking about something even more sobering.
What’s truly scary isn’t just living your daily life without God. It’s coming to the end of your life without ever truly knowing Him.
We can believe God exists. We can acknowledge His goodness, attend church, grow up in a religious home and even speak openly about our faith.
But none of those things, by themselves, mean we’ve been born again.
Jesus said in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Notice that Jesus didn’t define eternal life simply as knowing ABOUT God but KNOWING Him!
I don’t know where Mike Ditka stood personally in his relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s between him and the Lord and I’m certainly not going to speculate about his eternity.
But his passing reminds us of a question every one of us must answer.
Do I actually know Jesus Christ?
Not just know about Him.
Not just believe He existed.
Not just appreciate His teachings.
Not just have a religious background.
Have I personally turned from my sin and placed my faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in His death and resurrection for my salvation?
Jesus said, “You must be born again.” (John 3:7)
That’s not a religious suggestion. It’s a spiritual necessity.
One day, every one of us will take our final breath. Our accomplishments, reputations, possessions, and earthly successes will all be left behind.
And what will matter most is whether we belong to Jesus Christ.
I’m thankful for Ditka’s reminder about the importance of God in our daily lives. But I pray it causes us to consider something even greater.
It’s not enough to make room for God in your life.
You need the new life that only Jesus Christ can give.
And the wonderful news of the gospel is that He offers that life freely to all who come to Him in faith!
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” — 1 John 5:12
Praying for the Ditka family today, and praying that each of us would examine our own hearts.
Do you know Him?
