I just finished a sermon series using Facebook as the theme, a new way of looking at our relationship with God.  The title of the series was "Friended by God."

Although the series was not about Facebook, but only using it as a hook and an illustration, I did take the opportunity to caution our congregation about two things: (1) be aware that Facebook is public, not private and treat it accordingly, and (2) beware of becoming "addicted" to Facebook.

Here's the official list of five indicators that you have crossed the line in your Facebook use (as reported by ABC, CNN and other news outlets):

 1. You lose sleep over Facebook

 2. You spend more than an hour a day on Facebook

 3. You become obsessed with old loves

 4. You ignore work (or school) in favor of Facebook

 5. The thought of getting off Facebook leaves you in a cold sweat

Paula Pile, a therapist, suggests this quick test to see how addicted you are: "Try going a day without Facebook. If you find it causes you a lot of stress and anxiety, you really need to get some help."

I've come up with my own list of warning signs that you are spending too much time of Facebook.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . Facebook is your home page, especially if you wonder why that would be a problem.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You take at least one quiz or survey everyday.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You post status updates about what you are thinking about doing, especially if you come back and post another update saying that you never got around to doing it.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You wake up wondering what has happened on Facebook overnight.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You live on Facebook and have stopped checking your email because if anybody really has anything to say to you they can say it in front of all of your friends on Facebook.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . A growing percentage of your Facebook friends are people you have never met.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You ignore the people you are with to Facebook the people you are not with.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You have joined groups that you really have nothing to do with and have absolutely no interest in.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You feel more comfortable talking to people on Facebook than face to face.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You have ever called in sick using Facebook.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You have your own "farm" in Farmville and it is doing better than your real yard.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You have checked Facebook on your phone at least once since this worship service began.

You might be addicted to Facebook if . . . You are a pastor and you preach a whole sermon series on Facebook.

Don't be addicted to Facebook.  Be addicted to God.  Don't check in with Facebook before you check in with God.