The Thessalonians turned away from worship of idols to worship the only true God. As part of their worship they were waiting for the return of Christ ( 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
Worship and waiting for Jesus' return are closely linked. It is the assurance of Christ's return for us that keeps us focused on heavenly things. It is a continual reminder that this world is not our home and that the things of this world are unimportant. Therefore coveting wealth or power losses its hold on us. Spending outside our budget seems foolish. Fashion is temporal.
In other words we no longer love this world or the things of this world. We turn away from our personal idols to serve and worship God alone (1John 2:15-17).
