Never Forget to Wipe Your Sword

   Peter, still out of breath, turned and saw Aslan close at hand.
   "You have forgotten to clean your sword," said Aslan
   I was true.  Peter blushed when he looked at the bright blade and saw it all smeared with the Wolf's hair and blood.  He stooped down and wiped it quite clean on the grass, and then wiped it quite dry on his coat.
   "Hand it to me and kneel, Son of Adam," said Aslan.  And when Peter had done so he struck him with the flat of the blade and said, "Rise up, Sir Peter Wolf's-Bane.  And whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword."
   -The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe


Peter has just killed the Wolf that was attacking his sister, and instead of a "job well done" or similar sentiment, these are Aslan's first words to him.  Why do you think Aslan chooses these words?

   By cleaning his sword, Peter is removing the filth of the battle that just took place.  He is removing the physical evidence of his victory.  To me, this represents humility.  In our battles in life, we should not boast or take credit when we come out victorious.   To wipe the sword clean is to remove any stain that could tempt us into prideful thinking.  Also, by cleaning his sword, Peter was preparing for the next time he would need to use it.  In this sense, we should also remain sharp and alert, free of prideful-stains, so that we can experience more victories in the future. 
   Also, I love how Aslan wouldn't give Peter a title until he cleaned his sword and knelt down.  In order for God to raise us up, we must remove impurities and humbly fall to our knees before Him.