Helaman 3

I think this chapter clearly reveals one of the greatest dangers to the hearts of members of the Church:

1 And now it came to pass in the forty and third year of the reign of the judges, there was no contention among the people of Nephi save it were a little pride which was in the church, which did cause some little dissensions among the people, which affairs were settled in the ending of the forty and third year. 

And:

33 And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God—

34 And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

And:

36 And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did grow upon them from day to day.

The nasty culprit is pride, the universal sin. The one we all struggle with to some degree or another. The sin that I grapple with on a daily basis. Pride is what causes dissensions, contention, coveting, worshiping other gods, and I suppose virtually every other sin you can imagine.

Humility is the antidote to pride. This chapter also teaches me how I can maintain humility even when there is pride all around:

35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

Here is a great personal gauge to help me know whether I am keeping pride in check: am I keeping the commandment to pray often, morning and night, giving thanks for meals, praying in my family, etc...? Did I pray this morning and for how long and how fervently did I pray and how long did I listen for an answer from heaven? And again, did I participate in fasting and prayer this month?

If I want to know how I am doing on keeping pride in check, I can answer the questions just above and that will be a good indication.

Helaman 3.