“Be Normal.”

Winkler believed in the distinctiveness of Christianity. He believed we must not love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15). However, he was adamant about being normal and allowing one’s family to be that way. He believed we could be in the world but not of it (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). From not sticking out like a sore thumb in the way one dresses (such as making children wear ties on Wednesday nights) to allowing his children to participate in wholesome, healthy activities such as sports or band, he often emphasized our need to not be so separated from the world that we cannot reach it. He never endorsed being worldly, but he always promoted enjoying the life with which God has blessed us while on the earth.

He would often say, “Class, be normal!”