1 Thessalonians 1:9 (AMPC): "...telling how you turned to God from [your] idols to serve a God Who is alive and true and genuine..."

The reason the Thessalonians were so effective in resounding the Gospel to those around them was their deliberate and complete turning to God and turning away from the idols of their past. This is one of the keys to living a successfully transformed life: focus on God entirely - turn to Him in totality - and His presence will shape the way you think, influence your attitudes, and transform you without you striving to change! Trying to change in your own strength, or having a "do not do this" mentality, accomplishes nothing but disappointment. Our hunger and passion for the presence of God stirs up a desire for His Word. It's His Presence that makes His Word come alive in us and creates a new perspective that brings about effortless change. Just like it did for the Thessalonian church! They turned completely to God and completely away from their previous lifestyles of sin - without anyone telling them to do so. This made their Christian walk so authentic and appealing to the lost. Hunger after God today, give Him all your attention, and His Presence will propel you into a life that is transformed and marked by blessing and joy.