Peter's big mistake lies in having more faith in himself and his status as High King than in the One who gave him that status to begin with. He cannot understand, since he thinks so much of himself, why Aslan doesn't appear to him instead of Lucy. He succumbs to pride, even to the point of almost falling into the White Witch's temptation. His faith lies not in the power and command of Aslan, but in the sword, and an aggressive shortcut to winning, fueled by his anger over what's become of his blessed kingdom. Our world's myth of masculinity is that status and power come from physical strength and domination (the characters from Fight Club, for instance, fall victim to that myth), but the spiritual realm suggests that the measure of a man comes more from a spirit of compassion and patience. Peter's folly in jumping the gun and storming the castle result in many lives lost, but a lesson in humility.

In comparison we have Lucy, who has a wonderful little humorous moment near the battle's climax. At the pivotal moment of the Telmarines attempting to draw the Narnians to the river for a final defeat, Lucy slyly draws her tiny dagger. Such an action seems silly against the thousands of clashing swords about to attack her, but she knows that Aslan is her real weapon, and with his help, the meek shall inherit!

Despite her display of childlike faith, earlier in the story Lucy also makes the mistake of not being bold enough to lead the others to Aslan when she has the chance. Lucy has faith but fails in allowing it to lead to action, whereas Peter has action but fails in allowing faith to lead it. The two extremes come to a resolution as they discuss the matter, and Peter says, "I wish Aslan would prove himself to us." Lucy responds, "Perhaps we need to prove ourselves to him." Thus we find the key to what Aslan (that is, Christ) desires in us... a relationship. Faith in His power to inspire us to act, whether we are the youngest or oldest, or somewhere in-between, to marry a childlike faith with grown-up actions.

Aslan tells Lucy, "I am not (bigger). But every year you grow, you will find me bigger." How true is this for us?

Every year we grow, do we find Him bigger....or smaller? If I am to be honest, I too often find Him smaller, and I have to ask that He move the trees out of the way so I may get closer

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