For several years now, my wife and I, along with several other couples get together and play "Trivial Pursuit."  Of course, it's men against women.  After winning every game except one over a span of a couple years, the men got together and decided to have a little fun. 

 

We went to a trophy store and bought a large trophy, nearly two feet tall.  We named it the MENSA CUP (MENSA is an organization for people who have an IQ over 150).  This trophy would be proudly displayed by the winners.  Then we bought another trophy...the smallest we could find in the store.  It stands about 3 inches tall.  We named it the MENSA WANNABE'S.  In addition to this, we all purchased identical shirts and had embroidered on the shirts a picture of the MENSA CUP with the words, "MENSA CHAMPIONS."

 

At the next get together, just prior to playing the game, all the men dismissed themselves, changed shirts, and confidently walked back into the room.  We were ready to pose for pictures with our new shirts, holding the MENSA CUP.  At the end of the evening, the women had their picture taken with the MENSA CUP, and we, in our new MENSA CHAMPIONS shirts, had our picture taken holding a three inch trophy.

 

The events of that evening, along with frequent reminders by our wives, have served as a reminder to us that "pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).  Friends, take it from one who knows.  It is better to humble yourself and let God exalt you in due time, rather than exalting yourself only to be humbled.

 

"...everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).