Turned, Serving, Waiting

by Warren Berkley

There are passages in the New Testament that vividly describe conversion. When Paul wrote his first letter to the church of the Thessalonians, he described what those men and women had done in response to the gospel.

…how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thes 1:9-10)

Conversion is what we might call a “180” or a U-turn. Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and where He is now, sinners can be saved. But notice how specific Paul’s description is:

1. Conversion involves turning. “You turned to God from idols…” Conversion is more than just creating distance between me and my sin. It’s turning from sin and walking in an entirely new direction—from sin to God.
2. Conversion involves serving. A new Master is embraced. I’m no longer in charge. Someone else is on the throne—the throne He has always deserved. “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” With a view toward what?
3. Conversion involves waiting. “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven.” The risen Jesus is coming again. 

Turning, serving, waiting. Conversion involves all three. So what about you? Have you turned? Are you serving? Are you patiently waiting for the good outcome of faith in Jesus Christ?