What constitutes an atmosphere of worship? We have the tendency to lean towards music and "setting the mood" in our services. Typically the responsibility lays on the members of the band; if the band isn't with it, the people can't move in the Spirit. I accept responsibility for the band members, especially leaders being right with God, but whether or not people encounter God is really up to the individual. Even beyond music within the four walls, worship is anything and everything we do unto God throughout the day.
I heard a popular song today while working out--If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. Now, this whole song is talking about being the body of Christ (although its main focus is in a "church" atmosphere) and questioning the fact that if we really are the body, why do we not see fruit? As the song was playing, I was watching this man who was riding a bike. He first started whistling to the song and then raised his hands to it. Whoa buddy. Whistling, humming along, no big deal, right? But, to sit (on a bike, mind you) and raise your hands up to God in the middle of a workout facility---that's unashamed worship. The first thought that crossed my mind was. "Huh. I don't think I'd even really lift my hands to this song, regardless of the setting." I was intrigued and it made me think: Do I say that worship is anything we do in response to God's goodness and then turn around and judge another for the way (or where, ouch!) he worships? If I am part of the body then Christ is living in and through me wherever I am; and my natural response is always worship.
An atmosphere can be created but it cannot be contained. We choose each day to live in an atmosphere of self or God worship. We die to ourselves or we are as good as dead to God.
