Have you ever asked a simple question only to receive a confusing and complicated answer? Many patients I visit in the hospital share that, at some point in their care, they’ve had a similar experience with their doctors. One of my patients, a retired firefighter, once said, ‘I think they’re just trying to be cautious.’

We live in times that demand caution and political correctness—in both words and actions. In the professional world, a lawsuit is the last thing anyone wants to face. On a personal level, we try to be careful not to offend anyone. As a result, simple, straightforward questions often receive zigzagging answers—if any at all.

I call this “levitating.” Levitating in ambiguity seems safe and comfortable. We choose to float around what we know to be true without ever quite touching the truth.

Yet Jesus teaches us to be firm in our stance, regardless of the circumstances: “Let your ‘yes’ be yes, and your ‘no,’ no.” (Matthew 5:37)

Throughout history—including modern times—we see examples of people who became martyrs, not because they lacked diplomacy, but because they stood firm in their convictions.

I believe it’s good to have different opinions. It’s okay to change our views from time to time. Flexibility, of course, is a valuable asset. But we are called to gravitate, not levitate—because gravity pulls us to the center, where we are grounded, focused, and oriented.

Let us not hover in nebulous spaces but bear witness to truth, justice, and righteousness through our lives and work. The world needs less levitation and more gravitation—toward what is true, good, and eternal.