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In the 11th chapter of the book of Zechariah, the prophet cries out “woe to the idol shepherd that leave the flock”. He didn’t say idle as in inactive, it’s idol as in a symbol of worship.
Shepherds in the body of Christ are always caregivers: pastors is one form, fathers another. Another way of saying what Zechariah had in mind is “Woe to Dad’s who selfishly leave their children unprotected”. Certainly that applies to the thousands of men everywhere who selfishly procreate and then abandon; but it also applies to the thousands of men who abandon in order to recreate.
You know the type: absentee dads whose idols are their golf clubs, their bicycles, their boats; men who honorably work all week, but then dishonor themselves by playing all weekend. Recreation is fine, idolatry is a sin; taking a break is healthy, neglect kills. If you’re in danger of abandoning your family and your God in order to recreate, you need to stop.
Woe to idol shepherds who abandon their flock; husbands and dads who abandon their wives and kids. Matthew 12:29 says when a good man is bound, his house is spoiled. Don’t give place to the devil; don’t let play ruin your good work.
