With children, you can tell those that want to please their parents and those who do not. There is a difference in those that are bent on pleasing authority and those that are self-willed. However, all children must learn obedience and learn to live in community.
In the same way, you must come to Me, your heavenly Father. You must choose life in the Spirit instead of life in the flesh. You must cry out to Me and ask Me to direct your steps each day. It is presumption to think that you know best. Ask Me to be involved in your daily decisions. Ask Me what I think, and I will guide and direct your steps; not only in the difficult decisions but even in the seemingly mundane.
For it is in the little things that you are tested. Have I not said that he who is faithful in the little things will be faithful with much? Do not despise the day of small beginnings, for it is in the small things that I can see your true colors shine through.
Luke 16:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.
Proverbs 2 Amplified Bible (AMP)
1 My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2 So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];
3 Yes, if you cry out for insight,
And lift up your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver
And search for her as you would hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome]
And discover the knowledge of God.