Surprise! A present is handed to you, and you wonder what is inside. Sometimes packages are well-disguised so you can’t guess, but other times it is easy to figure out by simple observation. Did you realize how similar children can be to disguised packages? 

What is in the heart of a man, or in this case a child, is what drives him. If it is ugly, the child likely will not want others who might disapprove, particularly his parents, to know. Sometimes, he can fake righteousness that could fool them into acceptance and possible praise. However, what truly fills his heart will escape and come out in words and actions. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35). If you are observant, you can use this information, not to be paranoid or critical of your children, but so that you know how to pray and work with them.