"Steward-leaders must not be weak. They must not be so aware of their servant-status that they fail to assert themselves and take the authority given to them. Jesus speaks directly to this sin in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14ff. But on the other hand steward-leaders must also not be oppressive. They must not be so forgetful of their servant-status that they become domineering. When this happens both those beneath them (their fellowservants) and the master above them are cheated and abused. Jesus also speaks directly of this sin in Luke 12:35ff."

"The gospel of free grace means that a Christian believer is simul justus et peccator simultaneously accepted-as-justified and yet still sinful. We have confidence of God's acclaim and full acceptance now, and yet we still have a sin nature. We want to please the heart, resemble the life, and promote the glory of the one who has saved us. But we will do that imperfectly, at best. Reflecting on this is the ultimate spiritual resource for a leader who must be both a servant and a ruler, both fearless and gentle."

Tim Keller, Steward Leaders, Redeemer Report, 2006.