Joseph, in Genesis 37, is "separated from his brethren" (Deuteronomy 33:16). In the individual application, though the details are less plain, the general thought is easy. "Elect of God, holy and beloved" (Colossians 3:12). In the world through which we pass, all is hostile to the development of that which is of God. "He that departeth from evil [separateth himself] maketh himself a prey" (Isaiah 59:15). Separation from evil is a fundamental principle of the divine nature. Hence, persecution for righteousness should be accepted as the necessary result for the people of God in a world such as the present.

But for those true "Josephs" in whom are developed the soldier "virtue," who with inflexibility of purpose press on through whatever difficulties in the path of faith, separation will be found necessary, even from those who positionally in Christ are not of the world, but though chosen out of it, they are still practicing conformity to the world's ways. Nay, one's brethren are, alas! often in this case more hostile than unbelievers of the world, just because their consciences are more awake to a testimony which condemns themselves. Thus, within the circle of professed Christian fellowship, the "Josephs" still have to be the disciples of the cross. Their path is not merely individual, as the path of true faith must always be, but solitary also, save only for the God with whom they walk, and indeed because they have chosen to walk with Him in continual, practical separation from the world. Yet it is thus a path of deepest blessing.

—F.W. Grant