I will never forget the conversation.

I asked a very talented, gifted and bright young leader in Hall County why he was supporting a particular political candidate and not running himself. I have never forgotten his response, “I’d rather be a king maker than a king.”

Truer words have never been spoken with regards to our governor’s veto of House Bill 757, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

I am writing with no “ill intent” to our present governor. While I did recommend him to my South Georgia family as a man of conservative values, I’ve really never had a more than casual conversation with him. I suppose I didn’t fully investigate his conservative roots and strength to stand against great pressure.

No doubt about it, I have several disappointments regarding the governor’s recent veto of HB 757. It concerns me that he doesn’t know the values and character of Georgians. I am offended by his use of Scripture, out of context, to support positions that benefit his personal agenda. I am very frustrated that once again a politician says one thing to get elected and does not do the will of those who supported him after he no longer needs them.

However, my purpose in writing today is simply to present a peril of beholding to king makers. In other words, there is grave danger in beholding to those who one may think places and maintains them in power through money and influence.

In case you assume I can’t possibly relate, I can affirm that having been a pastor for over 30 years, I’ve had to navigate waters very similar to those that Gov. Nathan Deal just experienced. While it is hard to stand fast on principle and core values it can be done when it is understood who you are most responsible to.

I determined many years ago to live my life for an audience of one. I will not back up on who Jesus is nor will I ever cease to promote the sufficiency of God’s word.

Gov. Deal didn’t understand, the biggest peril of beholding to king makers is you miss your moment.

Consider:

Esther had her moment: “... for such a time as this.”

Patrick Henry had his moment: “Give me Liberty or give me death.”

Brigadier Gen. Anthony McAuliffe had his moment when he responded “Nuts” to the Nazis’ demand that he surrender Bastogne during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge.

The Apostle Peter had his Moment: Upon seeing everyone else turn away from Jesus, Peter uttered the famous lines when asked by Jesus “Are you leaving too?” Peter replied, “To whom would we go, you have the words of eternal life.”

Nathan Hale had his moment when he proclaimed, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

I am saddened for Gov. Deal; he missed his moment:

The moment when he could have made an eloquent defense of protecting all Georgians.

The moment when he could have stood for the principle of no discrimination against anyone, including Christians.

The moment that would have secured for himself a legacy of standing against the corporate giants, many of whom care less about Georgia values and more about personal wealth.

While I am very disappointed in Gov. Deal’s veto, I think I am sadder that he missed his moment. But Gov. Deal needs to know that politics isn’t the only realm where “king makers” put pressure on people to compromise and take weaker positions.

I’ve experienced it in ministry. It has often been suggested to me that maybe I should “tone it down,” or “be more careful about calling out false theology and pseudo intellects,” even some who stand in our own community’s pulpits.

I realize the pressure that influential politicians can feel when big-time donors and Hollywood celebrities begin to exact pressure on them to conform to the whims and agendas of the elite.

Recently Gainesville and Hall County has placed some young talented men and women in positions of responsibility and elected office. I hope they will be strong in their resolve and never allow the king makers to steal away their moment.

I am sorry that the hard work of both the State House and Senate was vetoed by the governor. They were deliberative in their consideration of HB 757. They represented well the people and values of Georgia.

They can bring the bill up again, but the governor will never get his moment back. For that I am really sad.

Dr. Tom Smiley is senior pastor at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville.