What is True Sacrifice?

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) ¹ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.    

Those of us who are called to full-time ministry to earn a paycheck live a different life than those not called.  I cannot say it is a better life or more spiritual of a life, but it is different none-the-less.  We are on call 24-7-365.  We could have meetings almost every night of the week if we aren't careful.  At times the church does come before our own family (especially after the death of a member of the church).  We are called to lead, teach, preach, care for others, be strong and yet meek, and know everything there is to know about God and His Word to name just a few.  From the outside it seems that we "sacrifice" everything for the cause of Jesus Christ.

But does anyone truly sacrifice anything for Christ?  I mean, how do the above things compare to the sacrifice of my Savior?  Have I truly sacrificed anything in comparison to His sacrifice of humbling Himself and dying on a cross a horrible death for the will of His Father and for the love of His creation?

"I never made a sacrifice. We ought not to talk of sacrifice when we remember the great sacrifice that he made who left his Father’s throne on high to give himself for us."

                       David Livingstone

David Livingstone was no stranger to sacrifice.  He spend much of his life and in the end gave his life for the cause of Christ.  But compared to the sacrifice of Christ Livingston's sacrifice was small and frivolous.  Puts a new spin on our view of sacrifice, doesn't it? 

Will I live today remembering the sacrifice of my Savior?  When, as a pastor, I feel I have given enough today for the cause of Christ (note: not the cause of church members) will I be reminded of His sacrifice?