God does not rely on a strictly intellectual relationship to cement us together; as the two do not become one simply because of an agreement on paper. Marriage is more than a state of mind; marriage is a mutual act, and the act of marriage is the exercise of our sexuality.

Submission is nothing more than the exercise of faith. Jesus went to the Cross because He had faith in the plan of God, as He said, “nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” and to meant it.

Jesus Christ gave Himself sacrificially, meaning that He put His personal feelings aside and did that which was necessary so that He could accomplish that which God gave Him to do, regardless of the pain that it caused Him. And He is our example.

Marriage is not designed to produce constant euphoric emotional satisfaction or sexual ecstasy, marriage is designed to be the process by which we purposefully meld two lives into one that mirrors the relationship between the three parts of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Carnal thinking discounts any spiritual dimension. Carnal thinking is focused on earthly realities, rather than heavenly ones. A person that thinks carnally makes decisions as though life on earth is the only reality, and disregards the reality of death that moves us from life on earth to everlasting life with God. Carnal people function as though they were going to live on the earth forever.

God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus because of Joseph’s faith, but also because of Joseph’s wisdom. Secular definitions of intelligence include the skills of logical reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking, and adaptation. Joseph heard the word of God, and obeyed. This is an example of both wisdom and intelligence.

Joseph had faith in God. Not intellectual faith or theoretical faith, but actual faith. When God spoke to Joseph, even through an angel and even in a dream, Joseph had faith in that which God said.

Friendship with God requires us to use that which we have fruitfully to do good works, to increase in the knowledge and the strength of God that comes from exercising the power of God, which will lead us into developing the attributes of patience, longsuffering and ultimately joy.