The Kobayashi Maru Test

The infamous Kobayashi Maru test, introduced in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. It's the unbeatable, no-win scenario meant to test the character of starship commanders in training. As Admiral Kirk put it, a no-win situation is a possibility every comander might face. How we deal with death is as important as how we deal with life, he explained. When Kirk was in the academy, however, he managed to become the only cadet to ever win the test. He did so by changing the conditions of the test so that it was possible to win. In short, he cheated death.

In real life though, we will all face our own Kobayashi Maru test at one time or another. Chronic and long-term illness, divorce, the loss of a loved one, or ultimately our own impending death are some of the no-win scenarios we may have to encounter. Unlike Kirk though, we can't change the conditions of the test in order to escape the outcome. On the other hand, we can learn how to deal with the inevitable no-win situations that come into our lives.

I believe the key to enduring our Kobayashi Maru-like trials is to have faith in Jesus Christ. Because of His atonement, the Lord knows our pains and our sufferings and so can give us the power and ability to endure them.

"But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life." (D&C 50:5)

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."(D&C 121:7-8)

“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” (D&C 24:8)

“Behold, we count them happy which endure.” (James 5:11).

Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once counseled:

"The basic requirements for enduring to the end include knowing who we are, children of God with a desire to return to His presence after mortality; understanding the purpose of life, to endure to the end and obtain eternal life; and living obediently with a desire and a determination to endure all things, having eternal vision. Eternal vision allows us to overcome opposition in our temporal state and, ultimately, achieve the promised rewards and blessings of eternal life. 

If we are patient in our afflictions, endure them well, and wait upon the Lord to learn the lessons of mortality, the Lord will be with us to strengthen us unto the end of our days." (General Conference, April 1998, “Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure”)

My mother was a great example of enduring to the end. Even during her final year of mortal life, unable to move or speak, she smiled at those who came to visit. She even made sure to renew her temple recommend even though she would never again be able to attend. Her love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ never failed. She met her Kobayashi Maru test with great faith and character. I hope and pray I can do the same.