Can you believe it? There are apps for our phones that can rate the attractiveness of people around us. There is an “Ugly Meter”, an “Ugly Test”, an “Ugly Scan”, and even an app called “Old and Ugly.”

These apps allow folks to scan a person’s face and instantly rate their attractiveness. The programs measure facial features. Apparently there are optimal ratios between our eyes, mouth, forehead and chin. According to one site “The distance between the eyes and the mouth should be a third of the face.”

For a mere 99 cents we can now instantly answer the question: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”

The creators of these apps are saying it’s a fun thing. They are not meant to be taken seriously. But critics are calling the apps offensive and downright inappropriate.

Personally, I can’t imagine having a friend rate my face. Or worse, having a young adult use that information for self-criticism. And besides, what happened to the concept that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?”

More importantly, our culture has completely ignored the value God has placed on his creation. As Samuel tried to sort out God’s choice for Israel’s new King, he thought a particularly good-looking son might be the one.

But God reminded the prophet…”Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)

This week let’s all reject the “Ugly Meter” concept whether it is on our phone or in our hearts. Instead let’s gaze into the eyes of our co-workers, friends, neighbors and others and look for their hearts. And once we “see” them, really “see” them, let’s respond with grace and kindness.